The Volsunga Saga

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OF THE

flDemorial £Mtion

There are but three hundred and fifty complete sets made frr
the world, of which this is copy

» r -

^ j40RRCE^A

AKQIXMIAXON CUkflKICS

g ^

COPYBIGHT

T. H. SMART
1906

1

1

THE VOLSUNGA SAGA

W

TRANSLATED PROM THE ICttLAMDIC

iMAGNUSSON- WILLIAM MORRIS

«1f*TEll<W(n«M'0F THE RHINE
H. HALLlBA'V'"SPAftIbJWJ,.. .

'T'HE Icei-nd i* 50 "Id iliit inrm.^ry Boeili tux t" the conirnry.
* which MlWlfllniyrtW^til'in'rlL- R:,, ii,u-, .;ii:,m i.ik-«

^B ™o,cn, T™.on, .,,,1 J^r.,,.,,,
^^H Ii(>.] ^ircaill with rncrrn^...!. »li . ,

^^B «>to"JgS8|#4i0 iWBStE(iM<l(.it^ -oJ J,«™i„og ,amic
^^^^H on strange indrnmrTil'. Il Mn' luitiiral ttial wairr fairies ^lii^itlit
^^^^F play a part in ihe NibthiiiBrniicd. ttir nnmlipf fnmeliinc* bernt:
I given as ihret- atid~at nTTirr^ ii'-many :., iit:n:. and their favdfitt

lurking p}ac.e wms ai ihc momh n! the Rhiin-, w'licrc solticlimc^.
And Old Vhrtk'&jsiaXiiKbwAiadim fritMv<d4hWMMlMftcii<>n

HON. RASUVS B. ANDERSON. LL.U.,
J. W, BUEL. Ph.D..

NORRCKNA SOCIETY.
I rrocKHOLM coPtMHAnm mitUM mew yokk
tiim

THE VOLSUNGA SAGA

TRANSLATED FROM THE ICELANDIC

BY

EIRIKR MAGNUSSON - WILLIAM MORRIS

WITH INTRODUCTION BY

H. HALLIDAY SPARLING,

8UPPLBMENTRD WITH

LEGENDS OF THE WAGNER TRILOGY

BY

JESSIE L. WESTON,

And Old Norse Sagas Kindred to the Volsung and Niblung Tak.

HON. RASMUS B. ANDERSON, LL.D.,

■ DITOR IN GHIRF.

J. W. BUEL, Ph.D..

MANAGING RDnOS.

NORRCENA SOCIETY,

LONDON STOCKHOLM COPENHAGEN BERUN NEW YORK

1907

566561

LIST OF PHOTOGRAVURES.

(Story of thk Volsungs and Niblungs)

Frontispiece — ^Water-fairies of the Rhine.

Andvari (Alberich) is Robbed of the Magic Ring 182

Heimer and Aslog 257

Frithiof at the Court of King Ring 286

/

CONTENTS,

(VOLSUNGA SaQA)

Introduction by H. Halliday Sparling 1

Translator's Preface 25

Characters in the Volsung Story 29

Story of the Volsungs.

1— Of Sigi, the Son of Odin 31

2— Birth of the Volsung 33

3 — ^The Sword Gram, Drawn from Branstock 35

4 — King Siggeir Weds Signy 37

5 — The Slaying of King Volsung 39

6 — Signy Sends her Children to Sigmund 42

7— Birth of Sinfjotli 43

8 — Death of Siggeir and Signy 45

9 — Helgi Weds Sigrun 52

10 — The Ending of Sinfjotli 57

11 — King Sigmund's Last Battle 59

12 — ^The Broken Sword Gram 62

13— Birth of Sigurd (Siegfried) 65

14 — Regin's Tale of Andvari's Hoard 69

15 — ^Welding of the Sword Gram 72

16 — The Prophecy of Grifir 73

17 — Sigurd Avenges his Father 74

18 — Sigurd Slays the Worm Fafnir 77

19— The Slaying of Regin 81

20 — Sigurd's Meeting with Brynhild 84

21 — Brynhild's Wise Counsel 89

22 — ^The Semblance and Array of Sigurd 91

23 — Sigurd Comes to Hlymdale 93

24— Sigurd Meets Brynhild at Hlymdale 94

m

CONTENTS

25 — Gudrun's Dream 97

26 — Sigurd is Wedded to Gudrun 101

27— The Wooing of Brynhild 104

28 — Brynhild and Gudrun Quarrel 108

29— Brynhild's Great Grief Ill

30 — Assassination of Sigurd 118

31 — Lamentation of Gudrun Over Sigurd 123

33— The Ending of Brynhild 129

33— Gudrun is Wedded to Atfi 132

34 — Atli Invites the Gjukings to Visit Him 136

35 — Dreams of the Gjukings' Wives 140

36 — ^Journey of the Gjukings to Atli 141

37— Battle in the Burg of Atli 144

38 — Slaying of the Gjukings 146

39— The End of Atli and his Kin 149

40 — Gudrun Casts Herself into the Sea 154

41 — Wedding and Slaying of Swanhild 154

42 — Gudrun's Sons Avenge Swanhild 157

43 — Latter End of the Gjukings 158

Legend of the Wagner Trilogy.

The Nibelungen Ring.

Chapter I — Origin and Analysis of the Legend 161

Legendary and Historical Hypotheses 164

The Thidrek-Saga 167

Considerations on the Thidrek-Saga 176

The Rhine Gold.

Chapter II — The Arg^ument as Used by Wagner 178

The Ethical Idea Expressed by the Legend 180

The German and Northern Mythology 182

Feuds Between Gods and Giants 186

The Valkyrie.

Chapter III — Argument of the Story 190

Personification of Nature Principles 193

What Wotan Represents 199

Characters of the Northern Deities 203

Iv

CONTENTS

Siegfried.

Chapter IV— The Tale as Dramatically Treated 208

Origin of the Myth Traced to Aryan Sources 210

Wicland Overcomes Siegfried 215

Siegfried Connected with the Grail Legends 222

Gotterdammenmg.

Chapter V — Condensed Story of the Downfall of the

Gods 225

Influence of Christian Faith Noticeable in the Story...227

Obscuration of the Original Legend 231

Gunther the Greatest Character in the Drama 235

Disagreements Respecting Siegfried's Death 242

Grandeur of the Closing Scene 253

Legends Kindred to those of the Volsungs.

The Story of Aslog.

Chapter I — Aslog, Daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild 256

Chapter II — Heimer, an Exiled King, Becomes the Pro-
tector of Aslog 260

Seeking Shelter in a Cottage, Heimer is Murdered
by his Host 163

Chapter III — Aslog, as Kraka, is made a Servant 264

She is Rescued and Becomes the Wife of Ragnar

Lodbrook 266

Story of Aslog's Abandonment and Restoration 268

Frithiof, the Bold and Fair Ingeborg.

The Vow of King Bele and Torsten 271

Frithiofs Meeting with Ingeborg 273

King Ring's Courtship 274

Frithiof Profanes Balder's Temple 276

Frithiof Collects Tribute from Angantyr 280

Destruction of the Temple of Balder 282

The Wolf in the Temple 283

King Sigurd Ring's Court 284

Frithiof s Meeting with Ingeborg 286

V

CONTENTS

The Test of Frithiofs Loyalty 288

Frithiof s Atonement 290

His Winning of Ingeborg 293

Ragnar Lodbrook.

A Battle led by a Soldier Maid 295

Ragnar Sets out to Fight a Dragon 297

How Ragnar won the Princess Tliora 299

He Abandons Thora for Kraka (Ingeborg) 301

Adventure with an Enchanted Bull 304

Ragnar's Death in a Den of Serpents 307

King Helge and Rolf KrakL

King Helge Espouses Thora 308

Dramatic Meeting with his Deserted Dridc 310

Helge Appeals to the Cupidity of Xing Adils 312

Rolf Avenges the Murder of Helge 316

The Battle of Bravalla.

King Iwar has a Dreadful Dream 321

Harald and Sigurd Ring 324

The Battle of Bravalla 328

Sigurd Ring Commands that Magnificent Funeral
Honors be Paid to the Body of Harald 330

Wayland Smith.

Forging the Sword Ring-Cleaver 332

Wedding of the Swan Maidens 333

The Elf- King is made a Slave to Niduth 337

How he Executed a Dreadful Vengeance 338

The Elf- King Escapes and Joins his Bride 340

rNTRODTJCTION

It would seem fitting for a Northern folk, deriving the
greater and better part of their speech, laws and customs
from a Northern root, that the North should be to
them, if not a holy land, yet at least a place more
to be regarded than any part of the world beside;
that howsoever their knowledge widened of other men, the
faith and deeds of their forefathers would never lack interest
for them, but would always be kept in remembrance. One
cause after another has, however, aided in turning attention
to classic men and lands at the cost of our own history.
Among battles, "every schoolboy" knows the story of
Marathon or Salamis, while it would be hard indeed to
find one who did more than recognize the name, if even that,
of the great fights of Hafrsfirth or Sticklestead. The
language and history of Greece and Rome, their laws and
religions, have been always held part of the learning needful
to an educated man, but no trouble has been taken to make
him familiar with his own people or their tongue. Even
that Englishman who knew Alfred, Bede, Caedmon, as
well as he knew Plato, Caesar, Cicero, or Pericles, would be
hard bestead were he asked about the great peoples from
whom we sprang ; the warring of Harald Fairhair or Saint
Olaf ; the Viking* kingdoms in the (the British) Western
Isles; the settlement of Iceland, or even of Normandy.
The knowledge of all these things would now be even

Wikins (Ice. Vikingr; v{k, a bay or creek, ingr, belonging to, or men
of) frtebooters.

INTRODUCTION

smaller than it is among us were it not that there was one
land left where the olden learning found refuge and was
kept in being. In England, Germany, and the rest of
Europe, what is left of the traditions of pagan times has
been altered in a thousand ways by foreign influence, even
as the peoples and their speech have been by the influx of
foreign blood; but Iceland held to the old tongue that was
once the universal speech of northern folk, and held also
the great stores of tale and poem that are slowly becoming
once more the common heritage of their descendants. The
truth, care, and literary beauty of its records; the varied
and strong life shown alike in tale and history and the
preservation of the old speech, character, and tradition — a
people placed apart as the Icelanders have been — combine to
make valuable what Iceland holds for us.

Not before 1770, when Bishop Percy translated Mallet's
Northern Antiquities, was anything known here of Ice-
land, or its literature. Only within the latter part of the
nineteenth century has it been studied, and little has been
done as yet It is, however, becoming ever clearer, and to
an increasing number, how supremely important is Icelandic
as a word-hoard to the English-speaking peoples, and that
in its legend, song, and story there is a very mine of noble
and pleasant beauty and high manhood. That which has
been done, one may hope, is but the beginning of a great
new birth, that shall give back to our language and litera-
ture all that heedlessness and ignorance bid fair for awhile
to destroy.

The Scando-Gothic peoples who poured southward and
westward over Europe, to shake empires and found king-
doms, to meet Greek and Roman in conflict, and levy tribute
everywhere, had kept up their constantly-recruited waves of
incursion, until they had raised a barrier of their own

INTRODUCTION

blood. It was their own kin, the sons of earlier invaders,
who stayed the landward march of the Northmen in the
time of Charlemagne. To the Southlands their road by
land was henceforth closed. Then begins the day of the
Vikings, who, for two hundred years and more, "held the
world at ransom." Under many and brave leaders they
first of all came round the "Western Isles"^ toward the
end of the eighth century; soon after they invaded Nor-
mandy, and harried the coasts of France; gradually they
lengthened their voyages until there was no share of the
then known world upon which they were unseen or unfelt.
A glance at English history will show the large part of it
they fill, and how they took tribute from the Anglo-Saxons,
who, by the way, were far nearer kin to them than is usually
thought. In Ireland, where the old civilisation was falling
to pieces, they founded kingdoms at Limerick and Dublin
among other places, the last named, of which the first king,
Olaf the White, was traditionally descended of Sigurd the
Volsung, endured even to the English invasion, when it
was taken by men of the same Viking blood a little altered.
What effect they produced upon the natives may be seen
from the description given by the unknown historian of the
Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill : —

"In a word, although there were an hundred hard-steeled
iron heads on one neck, and an hundred sharp, ready, cool,
never-rusting brazen tongues in each head, and an hundred
garrulous, loud, unceasing voices from each tongue, they
could not recount, or narrate, or enumerate, or tell what all
the Gaedhil suffered in common — ^both men and women,
laity and clergy, old and young, noble and ignoble — of
hardship, and of injury, and of oppression, in every house,
from these valiant, wrathful, purely pagan people. Even

^"West over the Sea" ia the word for the British Isles.

INTRODUCTION

though great were this cruelty, oppression, and tyranny,
though numerous were the oft-victorious clans of the many-
familied Erinn; though numerous their kings, and their
royal chiefs, and their princes; though numerous their
heroes and champions, and their brave soldiers, their chiefs
of valour and renown and deeds of arms; yet not one of
them was able to give relief, alleviation, or deliverance from
that oppression and tyranny, from the numbers and multi-
tudes, and the cruelty and the wrath of the brutal, fero-
cious, furious, untamed, implacable hordes by whom that
oppression was inflicted, because of the excellence of their
polished, ample, treble, heavy, trusty, glittering corslets;
and their hard, strong, valiant swords; and their well-
riveted long spears; and their ready, brilliant arms of
valour besides; and because of the greatness of their
achievements and of their deeds, their bravery and their
valour, their strength, and their venom, and their ferocity,
and because of the excess of their thirst and their hunger
for the brave, fruitful, nobly-inhabited, full of cataracts,
rivers, bays, pure, smooth-plained, sweet grassy land of
Erinn" — (pp. 52-53). Some part of this, however, must
be abated, because the chronicler is exalting the terror-
striking enemy that he may still further exalt his own
people, the Dal Cais, who did so much under Brian Boro-
imhe to check the inroads of the Northmen.

Viking earldoms also were the Orkneys, Faroes, and
Shetlands. So late as 1171, in the reign of Henry II., the
year after Beckett's murder, Earl Sweyn Asleifsson of
Orkney, who had long been the terror of the western seas,
"fared a sea-roving" and scoured the western coast of
England, Man, and the east of Ireland, but was killed in
an attack on his kinsmen of Dublin. He used to go
upon a regular plan that may be taken as typical of the

INTRODUCTION

homely manner of most of his like in their cruising : "Swe)m
had in the spring hard work, and made them lay down very
much seed, and looked much after it himself. But when
that toil was ended, he fared away every spring on a viking-
voyage, and harried about among the southern isles and
Ireland, and came home after midsummer. That he called
spring-viking. Then he was at home until the corn-fields
were reaped down, and the grain seen to and stored. Then
he fared away on a viking-voyage, and then he did not
come home till the winter was one month off, and that
he called his autumn-viking."^

Toward the end of the ninth century Harald Fairhair,
either spurred by the example of Charlemagne, or really
prompted, as Snorre Sturluson tells us, resolved to bring
all Norway under him. As Snorre has it in Heitnskringia :
"King Harald sent his men to a girl hight Gyda. . . . The
king wanted her for his leman ; for she was wondrous beau-
tiful but of high mood withal. Now when the messengers
came there and gave their message to her, she made answer
that she would not throw herself away even to take a
king for her husband, who swayed no greater kingdom
than a few districts ; 'and methinks,' said she, 'it is a marvel
that no king here in Norway will put all the land under
him, after the fashion that Gorm the Old did in Denmark,
or Eric at Upsala.' The messengers deemed this a dread-
fully proud-spoken answer, and asked her what she thought
would come of such an one, for Harald was so mighty a
man that his asking was good enough f^r her. But al-
though she had replied to their saying otherwise than they
would, they saw no likelihood, for this while, of bearing
her along with them against her will, so they made ready
to fare back again. When they were ready and the folk

H>rfcii0y<n|K» Baga.

INTRODUCTION

followed them out, Gyda said to the messengers — ^'Now tell
to King Harald these my words: — I will only agree to
be his lawful wife upon the condition that he shall first,
for sake of me, put under him the whole of Norway, so
that he may bear sway over that kingdom as freely and
fully as King Eric over the realm of Sweden, or King
Gorm over Denmark; for only then, methinks, can he be
called king of a people/ Now his men came back to King
Harald, bringing him the words of the girl, and saying she
was so bold and heedless that she well deserved the king
should send a greater troop of people for her, and put her
to some disgrace. Then answered the king: 'This maid
has not spoken or done so much amiss that she should be
punished, but the rather should she be thanked for her
words. She has reminded me,' said he, *of somewhat that
it seems wonderful I did not think of before. And now,'
added he, 'I make the solemn vow, and take God, who
made me and rules over all things, to witness, that never
shall I clip or comb my hair until I have subdued all
Norway with scatt, and duties, and lordships; or, if not,
have died in the seeking.' Guttorm gave great thanks to
the king for his oath, saying it was royal work fulfilling
royal rede."

The new and strange government that Harald tried to
enforce — ^nothing less than the feudal system in a rough
guise — ^which made those who had hitherto been their own
men save at special times, the king's men at all times, and
laid freemen under tax, was withstood as long as might
be by the sturdy Norsemen. It was only by dint of hard
fighting that he slowly won his way, until at Hafrsfirth he
finally crushed all effective opposition. But the discontented,
"and they were a great multitude," fled oversea to the out-
lands, Iceland, the Faroes, the Orkneys, and Ireland. The

6

INTRODUCTION

whole coast of Europe, even to Greece and the shores of
the Black Sea, the northern shores of Africa, and the
western part of Asia, felt the effects also. Rolf Pad-th'-
hoof, son of Harald's dear friend Rognvald, made an out-
law for a cattle-raid within the bounds of the kingdom,
betook himself to France, and, with his men, founded a
new people and a dynasty.

Iceland has been known for a good many years, but its
only dwellers had been Irish Culdees, who sought that
lonely land to pray in peace. Now, however, both from
Norway and the Western Isles settlers began to come in.
Aud, widow of Olaf the White, King of Dublin, came,
bringing with her many of mixed blood, for the Gaedhil
(pronounced Gael, Irish) and the Gaill (pronounced GatU,
strangers) not only fought furiously, but made friends
firmly, and often intermarried. Indeed, the Westmen were
among the first arrivals, and took the best parts of the
island — on its western shore, appropriately enough.

After a time the Vikings who had settled in the Isles
so worried Harald and his kingdom, upon whidi they
swooped every other while, that he drew together a mighty
force, and fell upon them wheresoever he could find them,
and followed them up with fire and sword; and this he
did twice, so that in those lands none could abide but folk
who were content to be his men, however lightly they might
hold their allegiance. Hence it was to Iceland that all
turned who held to the old ways, and for over sixty years
from the first comer there was a stream of hardy men
pouring in, with their families and their belongings, simple
I yeomen, great and warwise chieftains, rich landowners, who
•had left their land "for the overbearing of King Harald,"
jas the Landnamabdk} has it. "There also we shall escape

^Landtaking-book — Landman, landtaking, from at nema land, whence
also the early settlers were called landndtMmenn,

INTRODUCTION

the troubling of kings and scoundrels," says the Vatsdoda-
saga. So much of the best blood left Norway that the
king tried to stay the leak by fines and punishments, but
in vain.

As his ship neared the shore, the new-coming chief would
leave it to the gods as to where he settled. The hallowed
pillars of the high seat, which were carried away from his
old abode, were thrown overboard, with certain rites, and
were let drive with wind and wave until they came ashore.
The piece of land which lay next the beach they were
flung upon was then viewed from the nearest hill-summit,
and the place of the homestead picked out. Then the land
was hallowed by being encircled with fire, parcelled among
the band, and marked out with boundary-signs ; the houses
were built, the "town" or home-field walled in, a temple
put up, and the settlement soon assumed shape.

In 1100 there were 4500 franklins, making a population
of about 50,000, fully three-fourths of whom had a strong
infusion of Celtic blood in them. The mode of life was,
and is, rather pastoral than aught else. In the 39,200 square
miles of the island's area there are now about 250 acres of
cultivated land, and although there has been much more
in times past, the Icelanders have always been forced to
reckon upon flocks and herds as their chief resources, grain
of all kinds, even rye, only growing in a few favoured places,
and very rarely there; the hay, self-sown, being the only
certain harvest. On the coast fishing and fowling were of
help, but nine-tenths of the folk lived by their sheep and
cattle. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, and several kinds of cab-
bages have, however, been lately grown with success. They
produced their .own food and clothing, and could export
enough wool, cloth, horn, dried fish, etc., as enabled them
to obtain wood for building, iron for tools, honey, wine,

8

INTRODUCTION

grain, etc., to the extent of their simple needs. Life and
work was lotted by the seasons and their changes ; outdoor
work — ^fishing, fowling, herding, hay-making, and fuel-
getting — ^filling the long days of summer, while the long,
dark winter was used in weaving and a hundred indoor
crafts. The climate is not so bad as might be expected,
seeing that the island touches the polar circle, the mean tem-
perature at Reykjavik being 39 degrees.

The religion which the settlers took with them into Ice-
land — the ethnic religion of the Norsefolk, which fought its
last great fight at Sticklestead, where Olaf Haraldsson lost
his life and won the name of Saint — was, like all religions,
a compound of myths, those which had survived from
savage days, and those which expressed the various degrees
of a growing knowledge of life and better understanding of
nature. Some historians and commentators are still fond
of the unscientific method of taking a later religion, in this
case Christianity, and writing down all apparently coincident
parts of belief, as having been borrowed from the christian
teachings by the Norsefolk, while all that remain they lump
imder some slighting head.

Every folk has from the beginning of time sought to
explain the wonders of nature, and has, after its own
fashion, set forth the mysteries of life. The lowest savage,
no less than his more advanced brother, has a philosophy
of the universe by which he solves the world-problem to his
own satisfaction, and seeks to reconcile his conduct with his
conception of the nature of things. Now, it is not to be
thought, save by a priori reasoners, that such a folk as the
Northmen — ^a mighty folk, far advanced in the arts of life,
imaginative, literary — should have had no further creed than
the totemistic myths of their primitive state; a state they
have wholly left ere they enter history. Judging from uni-

INTRODUCTION

versal analogy, the religion of which record remains to us
was just what might be looked for at the particular stage
of advancement the Northmen had reached. Of course
something may have been gained from contact with other
peoples — frcMn the Greeks during the long years in which
the northern races pressed upon their frontier; from the
Irish during the existence of the western viking-kingdoms ;
but what I particularly warn young students against is the
constant effort of a certain order of minds to wrest facts
into agreement with their pet theories of religion or what
not.

The whole tendency of the more modem investigation
shows that the period of myth-transmission is long over ere
history begins. The same confusion of different stages of
myth-making is to be found in the Greek religion, and
indeed in those of all peoples; similar conditions of mind
produce similar practices, apart from all borrowing of ideas
and manners ; in Greece we find snake-dances, bear-dances,
swimming with sacred pigs, leaping about in imitation of
wolves, dog-feasts, and offering of dogs' flesh to the gods-—
all of them practices dating from ciude savagery, mingled
with ideas of exalted and noble beauty, but none now, save
a bigot, would think of accusing the Greeks of having stolen
all their higher beliefs. Even were some part of the matter
of their myths taken from others, yet the Norsemen have
given their gods a noble, upright, great spirit, and placed
them upon a high level that is all their own.

From the prose Edda the following all too brief state-
ment of the salient points of Norse belief is made up: —
'*The first and eldest of gods is hight (called) AUfather;
he lives from all ages, and rules over all his realm, and
sways all things great and small; he smithied heaven and
earth, and the lift (sky), and all that belongs to them;

10

tNTkObVCTlOU

what is most, he made man, and gave him a soul that shall
live and never perish; and all men that are right-minded
shall live and be with himself in Vingolf ; but wicked men
fare to Hell, and thence into Niflhell, that is beneath in the
ninth world. Before the earth * 'twas the morning of time,
when yet naught was, nor sand nor sea was there, nor
cooling streams. Earth was not found, nor Heaven above ;
a yawning-gap there was, but grass nowhere.' Many ages
ere the earth was shapen was Niflheim made, but first was
that land in the southern sphere hight Muspell, that bums
and blazes, and may not be trodden by those who are out-
landish and have no heritage there. Surtr sits on the border
to guard the land; at the end of the world he will fare
forth, and harry and overcome all the gods and bum the
world with fire. Ere the races were yet mingled, or the
folk of men grew, Yawning-gap, which looked towards the
north parts, was filled with thick and heavy ice and rime,
and everywhere within were fogs and gusts ; but the south
side of Yawning-gap was lightened by the sparks and
gledes that flew out of Muspell-heim ; as cold arose out of
Niflheim and all things grim, so was that part that looked
towards Muspell hot and bright; but Yawning-gap was
as light as windless air, and when the blast of heat met the
rime, so that it melted and dropped and quickened; from
those life-drops there was shaped the likeness of a man, and
he was named Ymir ; he was bad, and all his kind ; and so
it is said, when he slept he fell into a sweat; then waxed
under his left hand a man and a woman, and one of his
feet got a son with the other, and thence cometh the
Hrimthursar. The next thing when the rime dropped was
that the cow hight Audhumla was made of it; but four
milk-rivers ran out of her teats, and she fed Ymir; she
licked rime-stones that were salt, and the first day there came

II

INTRODUCTION

at even, out of the stone's, a man's hair, the second day a
man's head, the third day all the man was there. He is
named Turi ; he was fair of face, great and mighty ; he gat
a son named Bor, who took to him Besia, daughter of
Bolthom, the giant, and they had three sons, Odin, Vili,
and Ve. Bor's sons slew Ymir the giant, but when he fell
there ran so much blood out of his wounds that all the kin
of the Hrimthursar were drowned, save Hvergelmir and
his household, who got away in a boat. Then Bor's sons
took Ymir and bore him into the midst of Yawning-gap,
and made of him the earth ; of his blood seas and waters, of
his flesh earth was made; they set the earth fast, and laid
the sea round about it in a ring without ; of his bones were
made rocks; stones and pebbles of his teeth and jaws and
the bones that were broken; they took his skull and made
the lift thereof, and set it up over the earth with four sides,
and under each comer they set dwarfs, and they took his
brain and cast it aloft, and made clouds. They took the
sparks and gledes that went loose, and had been cast out of
Muspellheim, and set them in the lift to give light ; they gave
resting-places to all fires, and set some in the lift; some
fared free under it, and they gave them a place and shaped
their goings.

"A wondrous great smithying, and deftly done. The earth
is fashioned round without, and there beyond, round about it
lies the deep sea ; and on that sea-strand the gods gave land
for an abode to the giant kind, but within on the earth made
they a burg round the world against restless giants, and for
this burg reared they the brows of Ymir, and called the
burg Midgard. The gods went along the sea-strand and
found two stocks, and shaped out of them men; the first
gave soul and life, the second wit and will to move, the third
face, hearing, speech, and eyesight. They gave them cloth-

12

INTRODUCTION

ing and names ; the man Ask and the woman Embia ; thence
was mankind begotten, to whom an abode was given under
Midgard. Then next Bor's sons made them a burg in the
midst of the world, that is called Asgard ; there abode the
gods and their kind, and wrought thence many tidings and
feats, both on earth and in the sky. Odin, who is hight
AUfather, for that he is the father of all men and gods, sat
there in his high seat, seeing over the whole world and each
man's doings, and knew all things that he saw. His wife
was called Frigg, and their offspring is the Asa-stock, who
dwell in Asgard and the realms about it, and all that stock
are known to be gods.

"The daughter and wife of Odin was Earth, and of her
he got Thor, him followed strength and sturdiness, thereby
quells he all things quick ; the strongest of all gods and men,
he has also three things of great price, the hammer Mjolnir,
the best of strength belts, and when he girds that about him
waxes his god strength one-half, and his iron gloves that
he may not miss for holding his hammer haft. Balder is
Odin's second son, and of him it is good to say, he is fair
and bright in face, and hair, and body, and him all praise;
he is wise and fair-spoken and mild, and that nature is in
him none may withstand his doom. Tyr is daring and best
of mood ; there is a saw that he is tyrstrong who is before
other men and never yields ; he is also so wise that it is said
he is tyrlearned who is wise. Bragi is famous for wisdom,
and best in tongue-wit, and cunning speech, and song-craft.
And many other are there, good and great ; and one, Loki^
fair of face, ill in temper and fickle of mood, is called fhe
backbiter of the Asa, and speaker of evil redes and shame
of all gods and men; he has above all that craft called
sleight, and cheats all in all things.

"Among the children of Loki are Fenris-wolf and Mid-
13

INTRODUCTION

gards-worm ; the second lies about all tlie world in the deep
sea, holding his tail in his teeth, though some say Thor has
slain him ; but Fenris-wolf is bound until the doom of the
gods, when gods and men shall come to an end, and earth
and heaven be burnt, when he shall slay Odin. After this
the earth shoots up from the sea, and it is green and fair,
and the fields bear unsown, and gods and men shall be alive
again, and sit in fair halls and talk of old tales and the
tidings that happened aforetime.

"The head-seat, or holiest-stead, of the gods is at Yggdra-
sirs(iishj which is of all trees best and biggest ; its boughs
are s|5fead over the whole world and stand above heaven ;
one root of the ash is in heaven, and under the root is the
right holy spring; there hold the gods doom every day;
the second root is with the Hrimthursarj^where before was
Yawning-gap; under that root is ^ Mimir's' spring, where
knowledge and wit lie hidden; thither came Allfather and
begged a drink, but got it not before he left his^eydin
pledge ; the third root is ever Niflheim, and the worm i^id-
hogg gnaws the root beneath. A fair hall stands under the
ash by the spring, and out of it come three maidens, Norris7*^
named Has-been, Being, Will-be, who shape the lives of
men ; there are beside other Noms, who come to every man
that is bom to shape his life, and some of these are good
and some evil.

"In the boughs of an ash sits an eagle, wise in much,
and between his eyes sits the hawk Vedrfalnir ; the squirrel
Ratatoskr runs up and down along the ash, bearing words
of hate betwixt the eagle and the worm. Those Noms who
abide by the holy spring draw from it every day water,
and take the clay that lies around the well, and sprinkle
them up over the ash for that its boughs should not wither
or rot. All those men that have fallen in the fight, and have

14

INTRODUCTION

borne wounds and toil unto death, from the beginning of
the world, are come to Odin intValhallja very great throng
is there, and many more shall yet come; the flesh of the
boar Scerimnir is sodden for them every day, and he is whole
again at even ; and the mead they drink that flows from the
teats of the she-goat Heidhrun. The meat Odin has on his
board he gives to his two wolves, Geri and Freki, and he
needs no meat, for wine is to him both meat and drink;
ravens twain sit on his shoulders, and say into his ear all
tidings that they see and hear; they are called Huginn and
Muninn (mind and memory) ; them sends he at dawn to
fly over the whole world, and they come back at breakfast-
tide, thereby becomes he wise in many tidings, and for this
men call him Raven's-god. Every day, when they have
clothed them, the heroes put on their arms and go out into
the yard and fight and fell each other; that is their play,
and when it looks toward mealtime, then ride they home to
Valhall and sit down to drink. For murders and men
forsworn is a great hall, and a bad, and the doors look
northward; it is altogether wrought of adder-backs like a
wattled house, but the worms' heads turn into the house,
and blow venom, so that rivers of venom run along the
hall, and in those rivers must such men wade forever."
There was no priest-class; every chief was priest for his
own folks, offering sacrifice, performed ceremonies, and
so on.

In politics the homestead, with its franklin-owner, was
the unit; the thing, or hundred-moot, the primal organisa-
tion, and the godord, or chieftainship, its tie. The chief
who had led a band of kinsmen and followers to the new
country, taken possession of land, and shared it among
them, became their head-ruler and priest at home, speaker
and president of their Thing, and their representative in

IS

INTRODUCTION

any dealings with neighbouring chiefs and their clients. He
was not a feudal lord, for any franklin could change his
godord as he liked, and the right of "judgment by peers"
was in full use. At first there was no higher organisation
than the local thing. A central thing, and a speaker to speak
a single "law" for the whole island, was instituted in 929,
and afterwards the island was divided in four quarters, each
with a court, under the Al-thing.

Society was divided only into two classes of men, the
free and unfree, though political power was in the hands of
the franklins alone ; godi and thrall ate the same food, spoke
the same tongue, wore much the same clothes, and were
nearly alike in life and habits. Among the free men there was
equality in all but wealth and the social standing that cannot
be separated therefrom. The thrall was a serf rather than
a slave, and could own a house, etc., of his own. In a
generation or so the freeman or landless retainer, if he
got a homestead of his own, was the peer of the highest
in the land. During the tenth century Greenland was colon-
ised from Iceland, and by the end of the same century
Christianity was introduced into Iceland, but made at first
little difference in the arrangements of society. In the
thirteenth century, disputes over the power and jurisdiction
of the clergy led, with other matters, to civil war, ending
in submission to Norway, and the breaking down of all the
native great houses. Although life under the common-
wealth had been rough and irregular, it had been free and
varied, breeding heroes and men of mark; but the "law
and order" now brought in left all on a dead level of
peasant proprietorship, without room for hope or opening
for ambition. An alien governor ruled the island, which
was divided under him into local counties, administered by
sheriffs appointed by the king of Norway.

i6

INTRODUCTION

The Al-thing was replaced by a royal court, the local
work of the local things was taken by a subordinate of the
sheriff, and things, quarter-courts, trial by jury, and all the
rest, were swept away to make room for these "improve-
ments," which have lasted with few changes into this cen-
tury. In 1380 the island passed under the rule of Denmark,
and so continues. During the fifteenth century the English
trade was the only link between Iceland and the outer world ;
the Danish government weakened that link as much as it
could, and sought to shut in and monopolise everything Ice-
landic; under the deadening effect of such rule it is no
marvel that everything found a lower level, and many
things went out of existence for lack of use. In the six-
teenth century there is little to record but the Reformation,
which did little good, if any, and the ravages of English,
Gascon, and Algerine pirates who made havoc on the coast ;
they appear toward the close of the century and disappear
early in the seventeenth.

In the eighteenth century small-pox, sheep disease, fam-
ine, and the terrible eruptions of 1765 and 1783, follow one
another swiftly and with terrible effect. At the beginning
of the last century Iceland, however, began to shake off the
stupor her ill-hap had brought upon her, and as European
attention had been drawn to her, she was listened to. News-
papers, periodicals, and a Useful Knowledge Society were
started ; then came free trade, and the "home-rule" struggle,
which met with partial success in 1874, and is still being
carried on. A colony, Gimli, in far-off Canada, has been
formed of Icelandic emigrants, and large numbers have left
their mother-land ; but there are many co-operative societies
organized now, which it is hoped will be able to so revive
the old resources of the island as to make provision for the
old population and ways of life. There is now again a rep-

17

INTRODUCTldN

resentative central council, but very many of the old rights
and powers have not been yet restored. The condition of
society is peculiar — ^absence of towns, social equality, no ab-
ject poverty or great wealth, rarity of crime, making it easy
for the whole country to be administered as a co-operative
commonwealth without the great and striking changes
rendered necessary by more complicated systems.

Iceland has always borne a high name for learning and
literature; on both sides of their descent her people in-
herited special poetic power. Some of the older Eddaic
fragments attest the great reach and deep overpowering
strength of imagination possessed by their Norse ancestors ;
and they themselves had been quickened by a new leaven.
During the first generations of the "land-taking" a great
school of poetry which had arisen among the Norsemen of
the Western Isles was brought by them to Iceland. The
poems then produced are quite beyond parallel with those
of any Teutonic language for centuries after their date,
which lay between the beginning of the ninth and the end
of the tenth centuries. Through the Greenland colony also
came two, or perhaps more, great poems of this western
school. This school grew out of the stress and storm of the
viking life, with its wild adventure and varied commerce,
and the close contact with an artistic and inventive folk,
possessed of high culture and great learning.

The infusion of Celtic blood, however slight it may have
been, had also something to do with the swift intense feel-
ing and rapidity of passion of the earlier Icelandic poets.
They are hot-headed and hot-hearted, warm, impulsive,
quick to quarrel or to love, faithful, brave; ready with
sword or song to battle with all comers, or to seek adventure
wheresoever it might be found. They leave Iceland young,
and wander at their will to different courts of northern

i8

INTRODUCTION

Europe, where they are always held in high honour. Gunn-
laug Worm-tongue* in 1004 came to England, after be-
ing in Norway, as the saga says : — "Now sail Gunnlaug and
his fellows into the English main, and come at autumntide
south to London Bridge, where they hauled ashore their
ship. Now, at that time King Ethelred, the son of Edgar,
ruled over England, and was a good lord; the winter he
sat in London. But in those days there was the same tongue
in England as in Norway and Denmark; but the tongues
changed when William the Bastard won England, for thence-
forward French went current there, for he was of French
kin. Gunnlaug went presently to the king, and greeted
him well and worthily. The king asked him from what
land he came, and Gunnlaug told him all as it was. 'But,'
said he, *I have come to meet thee, lord, for that I have made
a song on thee, and I would that it might please thee to
hearken to that song.' The king said it should be so, and
Gunnlaug gave forth the song well and proudly, and this
is the burden thereof —

« (

As God are all folk fearing
The free lord King of England,
Kin of all kings and all folk,
To Ethelred the head bow.'

The king thanked him for the song, and gave him as song-
reward a scarlet cloak lined with the costliest of furs, and
golden-broidered down to the hem ; and made him his man ;
and Gunnlaug was with him all the winter, and was well
accounted of."

The poems in this volume are part of the wondrous frag-
ments which are all that remain of ancient Scandinavian
poetry. Every piece which survives has been garnered by

^Snake-tongue — sa called from his biting satire.

19

INTRODUCTION

Vigfusson and Powell in the two volumes of their Corpus,
where those who seek may find. A long and illustrious line
of poets kept alive the old traditions, down even to within
a couple of centuries, but the earlier g^eat harvest of song
was never again equalled. After Christianity had entered
Iceland, and that, with other causes, had quieted men's lives,
although the poetry which stood to the folk in lieu of music
did not die away, it lost the exclusive hold it had upon men's
minds. In a time not so stirring, when emotion was not so
fervent or so swift, when there was less to quicken the blood,
the story that had before found no fit expression but in
verse, could stretch its limbs, as it were, and be told in prose.
Something of the Irish influence is again felt in this new de-
parture and that marvellous new growth, the saga, that
came from it, but is little more than an influence.

Every people find some one means of expression which
more than all else suits their mood or their powers, and this
the Icelanders found in the saga. This was the life of a
hero told in prose, but in set form, after a regular fashion
that unconsciously complied with all epical requirements but
that of verse — simple plot, events in order of time, set
phrases for even the shifting emotion or changeful fortune
of a fight or storm, and careful avoidance of digression, com-
ment, or putting forward by the narrator of ought but the
theme he has in hand ; he himself is never seen.

Something in the perfection of the saga is to be traced to
the long winter's evenings, when the whole household,
gathered together at their spinning, weaving, and so on,
would listen to one of their number who told anew some
old story of adventure or achievement. In very truth the
saga is a prose epic, and marked by every quality an epic
should possess. Growing up while the deeds of dead heroes
were fresh in memory, most often recited before the sharers

20

iNTRODliCTIOtf

in such deeds, the saga, in its pure form, never goes from
what is truth to its teller. Where the saga, as this one of
the Volsungs, is founded upon the debris of songs and
poems, even then very old, tales of mythological heroes, of
men quite removed from the personal knowledge of the nar-
rator, yet the story is so inwound with the tradition of his
race, is so much a part of his thought-life, that every actor
in it has for him a real existence. At the feast or gathering,
or by the fireside, as men made nets and women spun, these
tales were told over; in their frequent repetition by men
who believed them, though incident or sequence underwent
no change, they would become closer knit, more coherent,
and each an organic whole. Gradually they would take a
regular and accepted form, which would ease the strain upon
the reciter's memory and leave his mind free to adorn the
story with fair devices, that again gave help in the making
it easier to remember, and thus aided in its preservation.

After a couple of generations had rounded and polished
the sagas by their telling and retelling, they were written
down for the most part between 1140 and 1220, and so much
was their form impressed upon the mind of the folk, that
when learned and literary works appeared, they were writ-
ten in the same style ; hence we have histories alike of king-
doms, or families, or miracles, lives of saints, kings, or
bishops in saga-form, as well as subjects that seem at first
sight even less hopeful.

Of all the stories kept in being by the saga-tellers, and
left for our delight, there is none that so epitomises human
experience; has within the same space so much of nature
and of life ; so fully expresses the temper and genius of the
Northern folk, as that of the Volsungs and Niblungs, which
has in varied shapes entered into the literature of many
lands. In the beginning there is no doubt that the story

21

tNTRODUCTiOtf

belonged to the common ancestral folk of all the Teutonic
or Scando-Gothic peoples in the earliest days of their wand-
«rings. Whether they came from the Hindu Kiish, or orig-
inated in Northern Europe, brought it with them from Asia,
or evolved it among the mountains and rivers it has taken
for scenery, none know nor can; but each branch of their
descendants has it in one form or another, and as the Ice-
landers were the very crown and flower of the northern folk,
so also the story which is the peculiar heritage of that folk
received in their hands its highest expression and most noble
form. The oldest shape in which we have it is in the Eddaic
poems, some of which date from unnumbered generations
before the time to which most of them are usually ^scribed,
the time of the viking-kingdoms in the Western Isles. In
these poems the only historical name is that of Attila, the
great Hun leader, who filled so large a part of the imagina-
tion of the people whose power he had broken. There is
no doubt that, in the days when the kingdoms of the
Scando-Goths reached from the North Cape to the Caspian,
that some earlier great king performed his part; but, after
the striking career of Attila, he became the recognized type
of a powerful foreign potentate. All the other actors are
mythic-heroic. Of the Eddaic song^ only fragments now
remain, but ere they perished there arose from them a saga,
viz.: that now given to the readers herein. The so-called
Anglo-Saxons brought part of the story to England in Beo-
wulf; in which also appear some incidents that are again
given in the Icelandic saga of Grettir the Strong. Most
widely known is the form taken by the story in the hands of
an unknown medieval German poet, who, from the broken
ballads then surviving, wrote the Nibelungenlied, or more
properly Nibelungen Not (The Need of the Niblungs). In
this the characters are all renamed, some being more or less

22

INTRODUCTION

historical actors in mid-European history, as Theodoric of
the East-Goths, for instance.

The whole of the earlier part of the story has disappeared,
and though vSiegfriedy Sigurd) has slain a dragon, there is
nothing to corinectlt with Jthe fate that follows the treasure ;
Andvari, the^Volsungs,^afnir,)and Regin are all forgotten;
the mythological features Have become faint, and the general
air of the whole is that of medieval romance. The sword
Gram is replaced by Balmung, and the Helm of Awing by •

the Tam-cap>-the former with no gain, the latter with great A J
loss. The^QJuirse of ^ndvart; which in the saga is grimly '
real, working itself out with slow, sure steps that no power f'flbf^'^f a
of god or man can turn aside, in the medieval poem is but a
mere scenic effect, a strain of mystery and magic, that runs
through the changes of the story with much added pictur-
esqueness, but that has no obvious relation to the working-
out of the plot, or fulfilment of their destiny by the different
characters. Brynhild loses a great deal, and is a poor
creature when compared with herself in the saga; Grimhild
and her fateful drink have gone; Gudrun (Chriemhild) is
much more complex, but not more tragic ; one new character,
Rudiger, appears as the type of chivalry; but Sigurd
(Siegfried) the central figure, though he has lost by the omis-
sion of so much of his life, is, as before, the embodiment of
all the virtues that were dear to northern hearts. Brave,
strong, generous, dignified, and utterly truthful, he moves
amid a tangle of tragic events, overmastered by a mighty
fate, and in life or death is still a hero without stain or flaw.
It is no wonder that he survives to this day in the national
songs of the Faroe Islands and in the folk-ballads of Den-
mark ; that his legend should have been mingled with north-
em history through Ragnar Lodbrog, or southern through
Attila and Theodoric; or that it should have inspired Wil-

23

L^

INTRODUCTION

liam Morris in producing the one great English epic of the
century; and Richard Wagner in the mightiest among his
music-dramas. Of the story as told in the saga there is no
need here to speak, for to read it, as may be done a few
pages further on, is that not better than to read about it?
But it may be urged upon those that are pleased and moved
by the passion and power, the strength and deep truth of it,
to find out more than they now know of the folk among
whom it grew, and the land in which they dwelt. In so do-
ing they will come to see how needful are a few lessons from
the healthy life and speech of those days, to be applied in the
bettering of our own.

H. HALLIDAY SPARLING.

24

TRANSLATORS' PREFACE.

In offering to the reader this translation of the most com-
plete and dramatic form of the great Epic of the North, we
lay no claim to special critical insight, nor do we care to
deal at all with vexed questions, but are content to abide
by existing authorities, doing our utmost to make our
rendering close and accurate, and, if it might be so, at the
same time, not over prosaic: it is to the lover of poetry
and nature, rather than to the student, that we appeal to
enjoy and wonder at this great work, now for the first time,
strange to say, translated into English: this must be our
excuse for speaking here, as briefly as may be, of things
that will seem to the student over well known to be worth
mentioning, but which may give some ease to the general
reader who comes across our book.

The prose of the Volsunga Saga was composed probably
some time in the twelfth century, from floating traditions
no doubt; from songs which, now lost, were then known,
at least in fragments, to the Sagaman; and finally from
songs, which, written down about his time, are still exist-
ing.

Except for the short snatch, in our translation, noth-
ing is now left of these till we come to the episode of
Helgi Hundings-bane, Sigurd's half-brother; there are two
songs left relating to this, from which the prose is put to-
gether ; to a certain extent they cover the same ground ; but

3 25

PREFACE

the latter half of the second is, wisely as we think, left un-
touched by the Sagaman, as its interest is of itself too great
not to encumber the progress of the main story.

Of the next part of the Saga, the deaths of Sinf jotH and
Sigmund, and the journey of Queen Hjordis to the court of
King Alf, there is no trace left of any metrical origin ; but
we meet the Edda once more where Regin tells the tale of
his kin to Sigurd, and where Sigurd defeats and slays the
sons of Hunding : this lay is known as the Lay of Regin.

In the slaying of the Dragon the Saga adheres very
closely to the Lay of Fafnir ; for the insertion of the song
of the birds to Sigurd the present translators are responsible.

Then comes the waking of Brynhild, and her wise redes
to Sigurd, taken from the Lay of Sigrdrifa, the greater part
of which, in its metrical form, is inserted by the Sagaman
into his prose.

Of Sigurd at Hlymdale, of Gudrun's dream, the magic
potion of Grimhild, the wedding of Sigurd consequent on
that potion; of the wooing of Brynhild for Gunnar, her
marriage to him, of the quarrel of the Queens, the brooding
g^ief and wrath of Brynhild, and the interview of Sigurd
with her— of all this, the most dramatic and best-considered
part of the tale, there is now no more left that retains its
metrical form than the few snatches preserved by the Saga-
man, though many of the incidents are alluded to in other
poems.

The grand poem, called the Hell-ride of Brynhild, is not
represented directly by anything in the prose except that
the Sagaman has supplied from it a link or two wanting in
the Lay of Sigrdrifa.

The betrayal and slaughter of the Giukings or Niblungs,
and the fearful end of Atli and his sons, and court, are
recounted in two lays, called the Lays of Atli ; the longest

26

PREFACE

of these, the Greenland Lay of Atli, is followed closely by
the Sagaman.

The end of Gudrun, of her daughter by Sigurd, and of
her sons by her last husband Jonakr, treated of in the last
four chapters of the Saga, are very grandly and poetically
given in the songs called the Whetting of Gudrun, and the
Lay of Hamdir.

As to the literary quality of this work we might say much,
but we think we may well trust the reader of poetic insight
to break through whatever entanglement of strange man-
ners or unused element may at first trouble him, and to meet
the nature and beauty with which it is filled: we cannot
doubt that such a reader will be intensely touched by find-
ing amidst all its wildness and remoteness, such a startling
realism, such subtility, such close sympathy with all the
passions that may move himself to-day.

In conclusion, we must again say how strange it seems to
us, that this Volsung Tale, which is in fact an unversified
poem, should never before have been translated into English.
For this is the Great Story of the North, which should be
to all our race what the Tale of Troy was to the Greeks —
to all our race first, and afterwards, when the change of the
world has made our race nothing more than a name of what
has been — a story too— then should it be to those that come
after us no less than the Tale of Troy has been to us.

It is therefore the ardent hope of the translators, as it is
also of the publishers, that this volume may not only afford
pleasure and profit to a large number of cultured readers,
but that it may serve to create and powerfully promote in-
terest in the history and literature of our Northern ancestors ;
that Englishmen, Americans, Germans may come to know
and appreciate with honorable pride the deeds, the valor, the
glorious record of that liberty loving, intellectual and virile

27

PREFACE

race from which we are descended. May it no longer be
said, to our shame, that Americans, Germans, Englishmen
hold in higher esteem the story of Greek, Roman and Per-
sian conquerors, the deeds of alien peoples, than the hero-
ism, the mythology, the poetic grandeur of our ancient
Gothic forebears whose language, fables, nursery-tales, and
minstrelsy are inseparable components of our literature, our
laws, and our liberties.

28

THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO ARE MOST
NOTEWORTHY IN THIS STORY.

VOLSUNGS.

Sigi, son of Odin.

Rerir, son of Sigi, king of Hunland.

Volsung, son of Rerir.

Sigmund, son ) j. ,r t

c- J 1.-. h 01 Volsung.

Stgny, daughter j ^

Sinfjotli, son of Sigmund and Signy.

Helgi, son of Sigmund by Borgny.

SIGURD FAFNIR'S-BANE, posthumous son of Sigmund

by Hjordis.

SwanhUd, his daughter, by Gudrun, Gjuki's daughter.

People who deal with the Volsungs bei^ore
Sigurd meets Brynhild.

Siggeir, king of Gothland, husband of Signy.

Borgny, first wife of Sigmund.

Hjordis, his second wife.

King Eylimi, her father.

Hjalprek, king of Denmark.

Alf, his son, second husband of Hjordis.

Regin, the king's smith.

Fafnir, his brother, turned into a dragon.

Otter, his brother, slain by Loki.

Hreidmar, the father of these brothers.

Andvari, a dwarf, first owner of the hoard of the Niblungs,

on which he laid a curse when it was taken from

him by Loki.

29

NAMES, ETC.

GjUKINGS OR NiBLUNGS.

King Gjuki,

Grimhild, his wife.

Gunnar, \

Hogni, I sons of Gjuki.

Guttorm, )

GuDRUN, daughter of Gjuki, wife of Sigurd Fafnir's-bane.

BUDLUNGS.

King Budli,

Atli, his son, second husband of Gudrun.

Brynhild, daughter of Budli, first betrothed and. love of

Sigurd Fafnir's-bane, wife of Gunnar, son of

Gjuki.
Bekkhild, daughter of Budli, wife of Heimir of Hlymdale.

Others who deal with Sigurd and the Gjukings.

Heimer of Hlymdale^ foster-father of BRYN^ILD.

Glaumvor, second wife of Gunnar.

Kostbera, wife of Hogni.

Vingi, an evil counsellor of King Atli.

Niblung, the son of Hogni, who helps Gudrun in the

slaying of Atli.
Jormunrek, king of the Goths, husband of Swanhild.
Randver, his son.
Bikki, his evil counsellor.
Jonakr, Gudrun's third husband.
Sorli, Hamdir, and Erp, the sons of Jonakr and Gudrun.

30

THE STORY

OP THE

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS.

1. — OF SIGI, THE SON OF ODIN.

Here begins the tale, and tells of a man who was
named Sigi, and called of men the son of Odin ; another
man withal is told of in the tale, hight (named) Skadi,
a great man and mighty of his hands; yet was Sigi the
mightier and the higher of kin, according to the speech
of men of that time. Now Skadi had a thrall with whom
the story must deal somewhat, Bredi by name, who was
called after that work which he had to do; in prowess and
might of hand he was equal to men who were held more
worthy, yea, and better than some thereof.

Now it is to be told that, on a time, Sigi fared to the
hunting of the deer, and the thrall with him; and they
hunted deer day-long till the evening; and when they
gathered together their prey in the evening, lo, greater
and more by far was that which Bredi had slain than
Sigi's prey ; and this thing he much disliked, and he said
that great wonder it was that a very thrall should out-do
him in the hunting of deer ; so he fell on him and slew

31

THE STORY OF THE

him, and buried the body of him thereafter in a snow-
drift. Then he went home at the evening tide and says
that Bredi had ridden away from him into the wild-wood.
"Soon was he out of my sight," he says, "and naught
more I wot of him."

Skadi misdoubted the tale of Sigi, and deemed that this
was a guile of his, and that he would have slain Bredi.
So he sent men to seek for him, and to such an end came
their seeking, that they found him in a certain snow-drift ;
then said Skadi, that men should call that snow-drift
Bredi's Drift from henceforth; and thereafter have folk
followed, so that in such wise they call every drift that
is right great.

Thus it is well seen that Sigi has slain the thrall and
murdered him ; so he is given forth to be a wolf in holy
places,^ and may no more abide in the land with his
father; therewith Odin bare him fellowship from the
land, so long a way, that right long it was, and made no
stay till he brought him to certain war-ships. So Sigi
falls to lying out a-warring with the strength that his
father gave him or ever they parted; and happy was he
in his warring, and ever prevailed, till he brought it about
that he won by his wars land and lordship at the last;
and thereupon he took to him a noble wife, and became
a great and mighty king, and ruled over the land of the
Huns, and was the greatest of warriors. He had a son
by his wife, who was called Rerir, who g^ew up in his
father's house, and soon became great of growth, and
shapely.

^"Wolf in boly placM," a man put out of the pale of society for bis
crimei, an ouUaw.

32

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

2.— or THE BIRTH OF VOLSUNG, THE SON OF RERIR, WHO

WAS THE SON OF SIGI.

Now Sigi grew old, and had many to envy him, so that
at last those turned against him whom he trusted most ;
yea, even the brothers of his wife; for these fell on him
at his unwariest, when there were few with him to with-
stand them, and brought so many against him, that they
prevailed against him, and there fell Sigi and all his folk
with him. But Rerir, his son, was not in this trouble,
and he brought together so mighty a strength of his
friends and the great men of the land, that he got to him-
self both the lands and kingdom of Sigi his father; and
so now, when he deems that the feet under him stand
firm in his rule, then he calls to mind that which he had
against his mother's brothers, who had slain his father.
So the king gathers together a mighty army, and there-
with falls on his kinsmen, deeming that if he made their
kinship of small account, yet none the less they had first
wrought evil against him. So he wrought his will herein,
in that he departed not from strife before he had slain
all his father's banesmen, though dreadful the deed
seemed in every wise. So now he gets land, lordship, and
fee, and is become a mightier man than his father before
him.

Much wealth won in war gat Rerir to himself, and
wedded a wife withal, such as he deemed meet for him,
and long they lived together, but had no child to take the
heritage after them ; and ill-content they both were with
that, and prayed the Gods with heart and soul that they
might get them a child. And so it is said that Odin hears

33

THE STORY OF THE

their prayer, and Freyja no less hearkens wherewith they
prayed unto her ; so she, never lacking for all good coun-
sel, call to her her casket-bearing may,^ the daughter of
Hrimnir the giant, and sets an apple in her hand, and bids
her bring it to the king. She took the apple, and did on
her the gear of a crow, and went flying till she came
whereas the king sat on a mound, and there she let the
apple fall into the lap of the king; but he took the apple,
and deemed he knew whereto it would avail ; so he goes
home from the mound to his own folk, and came to the
queen, and some deal of that apple she ate.

So, as the tale tells, the queen soon knew that she was
big with child, but a long time wore or ever she might give
birth to the child ; so it befell that the king must needs go
to the wars, after the custom of kings, that he may keep
his own land in peace ; and in this journey it came to pass
that Rerir fell sick and got his death, being minded to go
home to Odin, a thing much desired of many folk in those
days.

Now no otherwise it goes with the queen's sickness
than heretofore, nor may she be the lighter of her child,
and six winters wore away with the sickness still heavy
on her ; so that at the last she feels that she may not live
long; wherefore now she bade cut the child from out of
her; and it was done even as she bade; a man-child it
was, and great of growth from his birth, as might well
be ; and they say that the youngling kissed his mother or
ever she died ; but to him is a name given, and he is called
Volsung ; and he was king over Hunland in the room of

^May (A. S. mug), a maid.

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

his father. From his early years he was big and strong,
and full of daring in all manly deeds and trials, and he
became the greatest of warriors, and of good hap in all
the battles of his warfaring.

Now when he was fully come to man's estate, Hrimnir
the giant sends to him Ljod his daughter ; she of whom
the tale told, that she brought the apple to Rerir, Vol-
sung's father. So Volsung weds her withal; and long
they abode together with good hap and great love. They
had ten sons and one daughter, and their eldest son was
hight Sigmund, and their daughter Signy; and these two
were twins, and in all wise the foremost and the fairest
of the children of Volsung the king, and mighty, as all
his seed was; even as has been long told from ancient
days, and in tales of long ago, with the greatest fame of
all men, how that the Volsungs have been great men
and high-minded and far above the most of men both in
cunning and in prowess and all things high and mighty.

So says the story that king Volsung let build a noble
hall in such a wise, that a big oak-tree stood therein, and
that the limbs of the tree blossomed fair out over the roof
of the hall, while below stood the trunk within it, and the
said trunk did men call Branstock.

3. OF THE SWORD THAT SIGMUND, VOLSUNC'S SON,

DREW FROM THE BRANSTOCK.

There was a king called Siggeir, who ruled over Goth-
land, a mighty king and of many folk ; he went to meet
Volsung, the king, and prayed him for Signy his daugh-
ter to wife; and the king took his talk well, and his sons

35

THE STORY OF THE

withal, but she was loth thereto, yet she bade her father
rule in this as in all other things that concerned her ; so
the king took such rede* that he gave her to him, and she
was betrothed to King Siggeir; and for the fulfilling of
the feast and the wedding, was King Siggeir to come to
the house of King Volsung. The king got ready the
feast according to his best might, and when all things
were ready, came the king's guests and King Siggeir
withal at the day appointed, and many a man of great
account had Siggeir with him.

The tale tells that great fires were made endlong the
hall, and the great tree aforesaid stood midmost thereof;
withal folk say that, when as men sat by the fires in the
evening, a certain man came into the hall unknown of
aspect to all men; and suchlike array he had, that over
him was a spotted cloak, and he was bare-foot, and had
linien-breeches knit tight even unto the bone, and he had
a sword in his hand as he went up to the Branstock, and
a slouched hat upon his head ; huge he was, and seeming-
ancient, and one-eyed.* So he drew his sword and smote
it into the tree-trunk so that it sank in up to the hilt;
and all held back from greeting the man. Then he took
up the word, and said —

"Whoso draweth this sword from this stock, shall have
the same as a gift from me, and shall find in good sooth
that never bare he better sword in hand than is this."

Therewith out went the old man from the hall, and
none knew who he was or whither he went.

iRede (A. S. ngd), counsel, advice, a tale or prophecy.

The man ia Odin, who is always so represented, because he gare his
eye as a pledge for a draught from the fountain of Mimir, the source of
all wisdom.

36

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Now men stand up, and none would fain be the last to
lay hand to the sword, for they deemed that he would
have the best of it who might first touch it ; so all the no-
blest went thereto first, and then the others, one after
other; but none who came thereto might avail to pull it
out, for in nowise would it come away howsoever they
tugged at it; but now up comes Sigmund, King Vol-
sung's son, and sets hand to the sword, and pulls it from
the stock, even as if it lay loose before him ; so good that
weapon seemed to all, that none thought he had seen
such a sword before; and Siggeir would fain buy it of
him at thrice its weight of gold, but Sigmund said —

"Thou mightest have taken the sword no less than I
from there whereas it stood, if it had been thy lot to bear
it ; but now, since it has first of all fallen into my hand,
never shalt thou have it, though thou biddest therefor all
the gold thou hast."

King Siggeir g^ew wroth at these words, and deemed
Sigmund had answered him scornfully, but whereas he
was a wary man and a double-dealing, he made as if he
heeded this matter in nowise, yet that same evening he
thought how he might reward it, as was well seen after-
wards.

4. — HOW KING SIGGEIR WEDDED SIGNY, AND BADE KING
VOI^UNG AND HIS SON TO GOTHLAND.

Now it is to be told that Siggeir goes to bed by Signy
that night, and the next morning the weather was fair;
then says King Siggeir that he will not bide, lest the
wind should wax, or the sea g^ow impassable; nor is it

37

THE STORY OF THE

said that Volsiing or his sons letted him herein, and that
the less, because they saw that he was fain to get him
gone from the feast. But now says Signy to her father —

"I have no will to go away with Siggeir, neither does
my heart smile upon him ; and I wot, by my fore-knowl-
edge, and from the fetch* of our kin, that from this coun-
sel will great evil fall on us if this wedding be not soeed-
ily undone."

"Speak in no such wise, daughter!" said he; "for
great shame will it be to him, yea, and to us also, to break
troth with him, he being sackless ;^ and in naught may we
trust him, and no friendship shall we have of him, if
these mattters are broken off ; but he will pay us back in
as evil wise as he may ; for that alone is seemly, to hold
truly to troth given."

So King Siggeir got ready for home, and before he
went from the feast he bade King Volsung, his father-
in-law, come see him in Gothland, and all his sons with
him, whenas three months should be overpast, and to
bring such following with him, as he would have, and as
he deemed meet for his honour ; and thereby will Siggeir
the king pay back for the shortcomings of the wedding
feast, in that he would abide thereat but one night only,
a thing not according to the wont of men. So King
Volsung gave his word to come on the day named, and
the kinsmen-in-law parted, and Siggeir went home with
his wife.

^Fetch; wraith, or familiar spirit.
*Sackless (A.S. sacu, Icel. sok.) blameless.

38

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS
5. — OF THE STAYING OF KING VOtSUNG.

Now tells the tale of King Volsung and his sons that
they go at the time appointed to Gothland at the bidding
of King Siggeir, and put off from the land in three ships,
all well manned, and have a fair voyage, and made Goth-
land late of an evening tide.

But that same night came Signy and called her father
and brothers to a privy talk, and told them what she
deemed King Siggeir was minded to do, and how that
he had drawn together an army no man may meet. "And,"
says she, "he is minded to do guilefully by you ; wherefore
I bid you get ye gone back again to your own land, and
gather together the mightiest power ye may, and then
come back hither and avenge you ; neither go ye now to
your undoing, for ye shall surely fail not to fall by his
wiles if ye turn not on him even as I bid you."

Then spake Volsung the king, "All people and nations
shall tell of the word I spake, yet being unborn, wherein
I vowed a vow that I would flee in fear from neither fire
nor the sword ; even so have I done hitherto, and shall I
depart therefrom now I am old ? Yea, withal never shall
the maidens mock these my sons at the games, and cry
out at them that they fear death ; once alone must all men
need die, and from that season shall none escape; so my
rede it is that we flee nowhither, but do the work of our
hands in as manly wise as we may ; a hundred fights have
I fought and whiles I had more, and whiles I had less,
and yet ever had I the victory, nor shall it ever be heard
tell of me that I fled away or prayed for peace."

Then Signy wept right sore, and prayed that she might

39

THE STORY OF THE

not go back to King Siggeir, but King Volsung answer-
ed—

"Thou shalt surely go back to thine husband, and
abide with him, howsoever it fares with us."

So Signy went home, and they abode there that night ;
but in the morning, as soon as it was day, Volsung bade
his men arise and go aland and make them ready for
battle ; so they went aland, all of them all-armed, and had
not long to wait before Siggeir fell on them with all his
army, and the fiercest fight there was betwixt them ; and
Siggeir cried on his men to the onset all he might ; and so
the tale tells that King Volsung and his sons went eight
times right through Siggeir's folk that day, smiting and
hewing on either hand, but when they would do so even
once again. King Volsung fell amidst his folk and all his
men withal, saving his ten sons, for mightier was the
power against them than they might withstand.

But now are all his sons taken, and laid in bonds and
led away ; and Signy was ware withal that her father was
slain, and her brothers taken and doomed to death ; that
she called King Siggeir apart to talk with her, and said —

"This will I pray of thee, that thou let not slay my
brothers hastily, but let them be set awhile in the stocks,
for home to me comes the saw that says, Sweet to eye
while seen : but longer life I pray not for them, because
I wot well that my prayer will not avail me."

Then answered Siggeir —

"Surely thou art mad and witless, praying thus for
more bale for thy brothers than their present slaying;
yet this will I g^ant thee, for the better it likes me the

40

rOLSCXGS A\D XIBLIXCS

more they must bean and the longer their pain is or ever
death come to them.**

Now he let it be done even as she prayed, and a mighty
beam was broogfat and set on the feet of those ten breth-
ren in a certain place of the wfld-wood. and there they
sit daylong until night: but at midnight, as they sat in
the stocks, there came on them a she-wolf from out of the
wood; old she was, and both great and evil of aspect;
and the first thing she did was to bite one of those breth-
ren till he died, and then she ate him up withal, and went
on her way.

But the next morning Signy sent a man to the breth-
ren, even one whom she most trusted, to wot of the tid-
ings ; and when he came back he told her that one of them
was dead, and great and grievous she deemed it. if they
should all fare in like wise, and yet naught might she
avail them.

Soon is the talc told thereof: nine nights together
came the she-wolf at midnight, and each night slew and
ate up one of the brethren, until all were dead, save Sig-
mund only ; so now, before the tenth night came, Signy
sent that trusty man to Sigmund, her brother, and gave
honey into his hand, bidding him do it over Sigmund*s
face, and set a little deal of it in his mouth ; so he went
to Sigmund and did as he was bidden, and then came
home again ; and so the next night came the she-wolf ac-
cording to her wont, and would slay him and eat him
even as his brothers ; but now she sniffs the breeze from
him, whereas he was anointed with the honey, and licks
his face all over with her tongue, and then thrusts her

4 41

THE STORY OF THE

tongue into the mouth of him. No fear he had thereof,
but caught the she-wolf's tongue betwixt his teeth, and
so hard she started back thereat, and pulled herself away
so mightily, setting her feet against the stocks, that all
was riven asunder; but he ever held so fast that the
tongue came away by the roots, and thereof she had her
bane.

But some men say that this same she-wolf was the
mother of King Siggeir, who had turned herself into this
likeness by troll's lore and witchcraft.

6. — OF HOW SIGNY SENT THE CHILDREN OF HER AND

SIGGEIR TO SIGMUND.

Now whenas Sigmund is loosed and the stocks are
broken, he dwells in the woods and holds himself there;
but Signy sends yet again to wot of the tidings, whether
Sigmund were alive or no; but when those who were
sent came to him, he told them all as it had betid, and
how things had gone betwixt him and the wolf ; so they
went home and tell Signy the tidings; but she goes and
finds her brother, and they take counsel in such wise as
to make a house underground in the wild-wood ; and so
things go on a while, Signy hiding him there, and send-
ing him such things as he needed; but King Siggeir
deemed that all the Volsungs were dead.

Now Siggeir had two sons by his wife, whereof it is
told that when the eldest was ten winters old, Signy sends
him to Sigmund, so that he might give him help, if he
would in any wise strive to avenge his father; so the
youngling goes to the wood, and comes late in evening-

42

VOLSVNGS AND NIBLUMGS

tide to Sigmiind's earth-house; and Sigmund welcomed
him in seemly fashion, and said that he should make
ready their bread; "but I/' said he, "will go seek fire-
wood."

Therewith he gives the meal-bag into his hands while
he himself went to fetch firing; but when he came back
the youngling had done naught at the bread-making.
Then asks Sigmund if the bread be ready —

Says the youngling, "I durst not set hand to the meal-
sack, because somewhat quick lay in the meal."

Now Sigmund deemed he wotted that the lad was of
no such heart as that he would be fain to have him for
his fellow; and when he met his sister, Sigmund said
that he had come no nigher to the aid of a man though
the youngling were with him.

Then said Signy, "Take him and kill him then; for
why should such an one live longer?" and even so he
did.

So this winter wears, and the next winter Signy sent
her next son to Sigmund ; and there is no need to make
a long tale thereof, for in like wMse went all things, and
he slew the child by the counsel of Signy.

7.— OF THE BIRTH OF SINFJOTLI THE SON OF SIGMUND.

So ON a tide it befell as Signy sat in her bower, that
there came to her a witch-wife exceeding cunning, and
Signy talked with her in such wise, "Fain am I," says she,
"that we should change semblances together."

She says, "Even as thou wilt then."

And so by her wiles she brought it about that they

43

THE STORY OF THE

changed semblances, and now the witch-wife sits in
Signy's place according to her rede, and goes to bed by
the king that night, and he knows not that he has other
than Signy beside him.

But the tale tells of Signy, that she fared to the earth-
house of her brother, and prayed him give her harbour-
ing for the night ; "For I have gone astray abroad in the
woods, and know not whither I am going."

So he said she might abide, and that he would not re-
fuse harbour to one lone woman, deeming that she would
scarce pay back his good cheer by tale-bearing: so she
came into the house, and they sat down to meat, and his
eyes were often on her, and a goodly and fair woman she
seemed to him ; but when they are full, then he says to
her, that he is right fain that they should have but one
bed that night; she nowise turned away therefrom, and
so for three nights together he laid her in bed by him.

Thereafter she fared home, and found the witch-wife,
and bade her change semblances again, and she did so.

Now as time wears, Signy brings forth a man-child,
who was named Sinf jotli, and when he gprew up he was
both big and strong, and fair of face, and much like unto
the kin of the Volsungs, and he was hardly yet ten winters
old when she sent him to Sigmund's earth-house ; but this
trial she had made of her other sons or ever she had sent
them to Sigmund, that she had sewed gloves on to their
hands through flesh and skin, and they had borne it ill
and cried out thereat ; and this she now did to Sinf jotli,
and he changed countenance in nowise thereat. Then she
flayed off the kirtle so that the skin came off with the

44

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

sleeves, and said that this would be toniient enough for
him ; but he said —

"Full little would Volsung have felt such a smart as
this."

So the lad came to Sigmund, and Sigmund bade him
knead their meal up, while he goes to fetch firing; so he
gave him the meal-sack, and then went after the wood,
and by then he came back had Sinf jotli made an end of
his baking. Then asked Sigmund if he had found noth*
ing in the meal.

"I misdoubted me that there was something quick in
the meal when I first fell to kneading it, but I have
kneaded it all up together, both meal and that which was
therein, whatsoever it was."

Then Sigmund laughed out, he said —

"Naught wilt thou eat of this bread to-night, for the
most deadly of worms* hast thou kneaded up therewith."

Now Sigmund was so mighty a man that he might eat
venom and have no hurt therefrom; but Sinf jotli might
abide whatso venom came on the outside of him, but
might neither eat nor drink thereof.

8. — OF THE DEATH OF KING SIGGEIR AND OF SIGNY.

The tale tells that Sigmund thought Sinf jotli over
young to help him to his revenge, and will first of all
harden him with manly deeds; so in summer-tide they
fare wide through the woods and slay men for their
wealth ; Sigmund deems him to take much after the kin
of the Volsungs, though he thinks that he is Siggeir's son,
and deems him to have the evil heart of his father, with

^Serpents.

45

THE STORY OF THE

the might and daring of the Volsungs; withal he must
needs think him in nowise a kinsome man, for full oft
would he bring Sigmund's wrongs to his memory, and
prick him on to slay King Siggeir.

Now on a time as they fare abroad in the woods for
the getting of wealth, they find a certain house, and two
men with great gold rings asleep therein : now these twain
were spell-bound skin-changers,* and wolf-skins were
hanging up over them in the house; and every tenth day
might they come out of those skins ; and they were kings'
sons: so Sigmund and Sinfjotli do the wolf-skins c«i
them, and then might they nowise come out of them,
though forsooth the same nature went with them as here-
tofore; they howled as wolves howl, and both knew the
meaning of that howling ; they lay out in the wild-wood,
and each went his way; and a word they made betwixt
them, that they should risk the onset of seven men, but no
more, and that he who was first to be set on should howl
in wolfish wise : "Let us not depart from this," says Sig-
mund, "for thou art young and over-bold, and men will
deem the quarry good, when they take thee/'

Now each goes his way, and when they were parted,
Sigmund meets certain men, and gives forth a wolfs

^"Skin-changers" were universally believed in once, in Ireland no less
than elsewhere, as see Arl in several places in his history, especially the
episode of Dufthach and Storwolf o' Whale. Men possessing the power of
becoming wolves at intervals, in the present case compelled to so become,
wer-wolves or loupsgarout find large place in medieval story, but were
equally well-known in classic times. Belief in them still lingers in parts
of Europe where wolves are to be found. Herodotus tells of the Neurl, who
assumed once a year the shape of wolves ; Pliny says that one of the
family of Antaeus, chosen by lot annually, became a wolf, and so remained
for nine years ; Oiraldus Cambrensis will have it that Irishmen may be-
come wolves : and Nennius asserts point-blank that "the descendants of
wolves are still in Ossory ;" they retransform themselves into wolves when
they bite. Apuleius, Petronius, and Lucian have similar stories. The
Emperor Sigismund convoked a council of theologians in the fifteenth cen-
tury who decided that wer-wolves did exist.

46

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

howl; and when Sinfjotii heard it, he went straightway
thereto, and slew them all, and once more they parted.
But ere Sinfjotii has fared long through the woods, eleven
men meet him, and he wrought in such wise that he slew
them all, and was awearied therewith, and crawls under
an oak, and there takes his rest. Then came Sigmund
thither, and said —

"Why didst thou not call on me?*'

Sinfjotii said, "I was loth to call for thy help for the
slaying of eleven men."

Then Sigmund rushed at him so hard that he stag-
gered and fell, and Sigmund bit him in the throat. Now
that day they might not come out of their wolf-skins : but
Sigmund lays the other on his back, and bears him home
to the house, and cursed the wolf-gears and gave them to
the trolls. Now on a day he saw where two weasels went,
and how that one bit the other in the throat, and then ran
straightway into the thicket, and took up a leaf and laid
it on the wound, and thereon his fellow sprang up quite
and clean whole; so Sigmund went out and saw a raven
flying with a blade of that same herb to him; so he took it
and drew it over Sinfjotli's hurt, and he straightway
sprang up as whole as though he had never been hurt.
Thereafter they went home to their earth-house, and
abode there till the time came for them to put off the
wolf-shapes; then they burnt them up with fire, and
prayed that no more hurt might come to any one from
them ; but in that uncouth guise they wrought many fa-
mous deeds in the kingdom and lordship of King Siggeir.

Now when Sinfjotii was come to man's estate, Sig-

47

THE STORY OF THE

mund deemed he had tried him fully, and or ever a long
time has gone by he turns his mind to the avenging of
his father, if so it may be brought about ; so on a certain
day the twain get them gone from their earth-house, and
come to the abode of King Siggeir late in the evening,
and go into the porch before the hall, wherein were tuns
of ale, and there they lie hid ; now the queen is ware of
them, where they are, and is fain to meet them ; and when
they met they took counsel, and were of one mind that
Volsung should be revenged that same night.

Now Signy and the king had two children of tender
age, who played with a golden toy on the floor, and
bowled it along the pavement of the hall, running along
with it ; but therewith a golden ring from off it trundles
away into the place where Sigmund and Sinf jotli lay, and
off nms the little one to search for the same, and beholds
withal where two men are sitting, big and grimly to look
on, with overhanging helms and bright white byrnies;*
so he runs up the hall to his father, and tells him of the
sight he has seen, and thereat the king misdoubts of some
guile abiding him; but Signy heard their speech, and
arose and took both the children, and went out into the
porch to them and said —

"Lo ye! these younglings have bewrayed you; come
now therefore and slay them !"

Sigmund says, "Never will I slay thy children for tell-
ing of where I lay hid."

But Sinf jotli made little enow of it, but drew his sword
and slew them both, and cast them into the hall at King
Siggeir's feet.

^Bymy (A.S. byme), corslet, cuirass.

48

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Then up stood the king and cried on his men to take
those who had lain privily in the porch through the night.
So they ran thither and would lay hands on them, but
they stood on their defence well and manly, and long he
remembered it who was the nighest to them ; but in the
end they were borne down by many men and taken, and
bonds were set upon them, and they were cast into fetters
wherein they sit night long.

Then the king ponders what longest and worst of
deaths he shall mete out to them; and when morning
came he let make a g^eat barrow of stones and turf ; and
when it was done, let set a great flat stone midmost inside
thereof, so that one edge was aloft, the other alow ; and
so great it was that it went from wall to wall, so that none
might pass it.

^Now he bids folk take Sigmund and Sinfjotli and set
them in the barrow, on either side of the stone, for the
worse for them he deemed it, that they might hear each
the other's speech, and yet that neither might pass one to
the other. But now, while they were covered in the
barrow with the turf-slips, thither came Signy, bearing
straw with her, and cast it down to Sinfjotli, and bade
the thralls hide this thing from the king; they said yea
thereto, and therewithal was the barrow closed in.

But when night fell, Sinfjotli said to Sigmund, "Belike
we shall scarce need meat for a while, for here has the
queen cast swine's flesh into the barrow, and wrapped it
round about on the outer side with straw."

Therewith he handles the flesh and finds that therein
was thrust Sigmund's sword ; and he knew it by the hilt,

49

THE STORY OF THE

as mirk as it might be in the barrow, and tells Sigmund
thereof, and of that were they both fain enow.

Now Sinf jotli drave the point of the sword up into the
big stone, and drew it hard along, and the sword bit on
the stone. With that Sigmund caught the sword by the
point, and in this wise they sawed the stone between
them, and let not or all the sawing was done that need
be done, even as the song sings :

"Sinfjotli sawed.
And Sigmund sawed,
Atwain with main
The stone was done."

Now are they both together loose in the barrow, and
soon they cut both through the stone and through iron,
and bring themselves out thereof. Then they go home
to the hall, whenas all men slept there, and bear wood to
the hall, and lay fire therein ; and withal the folk therein
are waked by the smoke, and by the hall burning over
their heads.

Then the king cries out, "Who kindled this fire, I bum
withal?"

"Here am I," says Sigmund, "with Sinfjotli, my
sister's son ; and we are minded that thou shalt wot well
that all the Volsungs are not yet dead."

Then he bade his sister come out, and take all good
things at his hands, and great honour, and fair atonement
in that wise, for all her griefs.

But she answered, "Take heed now, and consider, if
I have kept King Siggeir in memory, and his slaying of

SO

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Volsung the king ! I let slay both my children, whom I
deemed worthless for the revenging of our father, and I
went into the wood to thee in a witch-wife's shape; and
now behold, Sinfjotii is the son of thee and of me both!
and therefore has he this so great hardihood and fierce-
ness, in that he is the son of both of Volsung's son and
Volsung's daughter; and for this, and for naught else,
have I so wrought, that Siggeir might get his bane at
last; and all these things have I done that vengeance
might fall on him, and that I too might not live long;
and merrily now will I die with King Siggeir, though I
was naught merry to wed him."

Therewith she kissed Sigmund her brother, and Sinf-
jotii, and went back again into the fire, and there she died
with King Siggeir and all his good men.

But the two kinsmen gathered together folk and ships,
and Sigmund went back to his father's land, and drave
away thence the king, who had set himself down there in
the room of king Volsung.

So Sigmund became a mighty King and far-famed,
wise and high-minded ; he had to wife one named Borg-
hild, and two sons they had between them, one named
Helgi and the other Hamund ; and when Helgi was born,
Norns came to him,* and spake over him, and said that
he should be in time to come the most renowned of all
kings. Even therewith was Sigmund come home from
the wars, and so therewith he gives him the name of

^"Norns came to him." Nornir are the fates of the northern myth-
ology. They ure three — Urd, the past; Verdandi, the present; and Bkuld,
the future. They sit beside the founUln of Urd (Urdarbrvnur) » which Is
below one of the roots of Yggdragil, the world- tree, which tree their office
it is to nourish by bprinkling it with the waters of the fountain.

51

THE STORY OF THE

Helgiy and these matters as tokens thereof, Land of
Rings, Sun-Iitten Hill, and Sharp-shearing Sword, and
withal prayed that he might grow of great fame, and like
unto the kin of the Volsungs.

And so it was that he grew up high-minded, and well-
beloved, and above all other men in all prowess ; and the
story tells that he went to the wars when he was fifteen
winters old. Helgi was lord and ruler over the army,
but Sinfjotii was gotten to be his fellow herein; and so
the twain bare sway thereover.

9. — HOW HELGI^ THE SON OlP SIGMUND, WON KING HOD-
BROD AND HIS REALM, AND WEDDED SIGRUN.

Now the tale tells that Helgi in his warring met a king
hight Hunding, a mighty king, and lord of many men
and many lands; they fell to battle together, and Helgi
went forth mightily, and such was the end of that fight
that Helgi had the victory ; King Hunding fell and many
of his men with him ; whereat Helgi is deemed to have
grown greatly in fame because he had slain so mighty a
king.

Then the sons of Hunding draw together a great army
to avenge their father. Hard was the fight betwixt them ;
but Helgi goes through the folk of those brothers unto
their banner, and there slays these sons of Hunding, Alf
and Eyolf, Herward and Hagbard, and wins there a great
victory.

Now as Helgi fared from the fight, he met many
women right fair and worthy to look on, who rode in
exceeding noble array ; but one far excelled them all ; then

52

yoLsvms Am miblvngs

Helgi asked them the name of that their lady and queen,
and she named herself Sigrun, and said she was daughter
of King Hogni.

Then said Helgi, "Fare home with us : good welcome
shall ye have r

Then said the king's daughter, "Other work lies be-
fore us than to drink with thee."

"Yea, and what work, king's daughter ?" said Helgi.

She answers, "King Hogni has promised me to Hod-
brod, the son of King Granmar, but I have vowed a vow
that I will have him to my husband no more than if he
were a crow's son and not a king's ; and yet will the thing
come to pass, but and if thou standest in the way thereof,
and goest against him with an army, and takest me away
withal; for verily with no king would I rather bide on
bolster than with thee."

"Be of good cheer, king's daughter," says he, "for
certes he and I shall try the matter, or ever thou be given
to him; yea, we shall behold which may prevail against
the other ; and hereto I pledge my life."

Thereafter, Helgi sent men with money in their hands
to summon his folk to him, and all his power is called
together to Red-Berg: and there Helgi abode till such
time as a great company came to him from Hedinsey ; and
therewithal came mighty power from Norvi Sound
aboard great and fair ships. Then King Helgi called
to him the captain of his ships, who was hight Leif,
and asked him if he had told over the tale of his
army.

"A thing not easy to tell, lord," says he, "on the ships

S3

THE STORY OF THE

that came out of Norvi Sound are twelve thousand men,
and otherwhere are half as many agpin."

Then bade King Helgi turn into the firth, called
Varin's-firth, and they did so : but now there fell on them
so fierce a storm and so huge a sea, that the beat of the
waves on board and bow was to hearken to like as the
clashing together of high hills broken.

But Helgi bade men fear naught, nor take in any sail,
but rather hoist every rag higher than heretofore; but
little did they miss of foundering or ever they made land ;
then came Sigrun, daughter of King Hogni, down on to
the beach with a great army, and turned them away thence
to a good haven called Gnipalund ; but the landsmen see
what has befallen and come down to the sea-shore. The
brother of King Hodbrod, lord of a land called Swarin's
Cairn, cried out to them, and asked them who was captain
over that mighty army. Then up stands Sinf jotli, with
a helm on his head, bright shining as glass, and a byrny
as white as snow ; a spear in his hand, and thereon a ban-
ner of renown, and a gold-rimmed shield hanging before
him; and well he knew with what words to speak to
kings —

"Go thou and say, when thou hast made an end of feed-
ing thy swine and thy dogs, and when thou beholdest thy
wife again, that here are come the Volsungs, and in this
company may King Helgi be found, if Hodbrod be fain
of finding him, for his game and his joy it is to fight and
win fame, while thou art kissing the handmaids by the
fire-side."

Then answered Granmar, "In nowise knowest thou

54

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

how to speak seemly things, and to tell of matters re-
membered from of old, whereas thou layest lies on chiefs
and lords ; most like it is that thou must have long been
nourished with wolf-meat abroad in the wild-woods, and
has slain thy brethren ; and a marvel it is to behold that
thou darest to join thyself to the company of good men
and true, thou, who hast sucked the blood of many a cold
corpse."

Sinf jotli answered, "Dim belike is grown thy memory
now, of how thou wert a witch-wife on Varinsey, and
wouldst fain have a man to thee, and chose me to that
same office of all the world ; and how thereafter thou wert
a Valkyria* in Asgarth, and it well-nigh came to this,
that for thy sweet sake should all men fight; and nine
wolf-whelps I begat on thy body in Lowness, and was the
father to them all."

Granmar answers, "Great skill of lying hast thou ; yet
belike the father of naught at all mayest thou be, since
thou wert gelded by the giant's daughters of Thrasness ;
and lo thou art the stepson of King Siggeir, and were
wont to lie abroad in wilds and woods with the kin of
wolves; and unlucky was the hand wherewith thou slew-
est thy brethren, making for thyself an exceeding evil
name."

Said Sinf jotli, "Mindest thou not then, when thou were
stallion Grani's mare, and how I rode thee an amble on
Bravoll, and that afterwards thou wert giant Golnir's
goat-herd ?"

^Valkyrja, "Chooser of the elected." The women were bo called whom
Odin Bent to chooee thoae for death In battle who were to join the Einherjar
in the hall of the elected. *'Val-holl/'

55

THE STORY OF THE

Granmar says, "Rather would I feed fowls with the
flesh of thee than wrangle any longer with thee."

Then spake King Helgi, "Better were it for ye, and a
more manly deed, to fight, rather than to speak such
things as it is a shame even to hearken to; Granmar's sons
are no friends of me and of mine, yet are they hardy men
none the less."

So Granmar rode away to meet King Hodbrod, at a
stead called Sunfells, and the horses of the twain were
named Sveipud and Sveggjud. The brothers met in the
castle-porch, and Granmar told Hodbrod of the war-news.
King Hodbrod was clad in a bymy, and had his helm on
his head ; he asked —

"What men are anigh ; why look ye so wrathful ?"

Granmar says, "Here are come the Volsungs, and
twelve thousand men of them are afloat oflf the coast, and
seven thousand are at the island called Sok, but at the
stead called Grindur is the greatest company of all, and
now I deem withal that Helg^ and his fellowship have
good will to give battle."

Then said the king, "Let us send a message through all
our realm, and go against them, neither let any who is
fain to fight sit idle at home ; let us send word to the sons
of Ring, and to King Hogni, and to Alf the Old, for
they are mighty warriors."

So the hosts met at Wolfstone, and fierce fight befell
there; Helgi rushed forth through the host of his foes,
and many a man fell there ; at last folk saw a great com-
pany of shield-maidens, like burning flames to look on,
and there was come Sigrun, the king's daughter. Then

56

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

King Helgi fell on King Hodbrod, and smote him, and
slew him even under his very banner; and Sigrun cried
out —

"Have thou thanks for thy so manly deed ! now shall
we share the land between us, and a day of gfreat good
haps this is to me ; and for this deed shalt thou get honour
and renown, in that thou hast felled to earth so mighty a
king."

So Helgi took to him that realm and dwelt there long,
when he had wedded Sigrun, and became a king of gfreat
honour and renown, though he has naught more to do
with this story.

10. — THE ENDING OF SINFJOTU^ SIGMUND'S SON.

Now the Volsungs fare back home, and have gained
great renown by these deeds. But Sinf jotli betook him-
self to warfare anew ; and therewith he had sight of an
exceeding fair woman, and yearned above all things for
her ; but that same woman was wooed also of the brother
of Borghild, the king's wife : and this matter they fought
out betwixt them, and Sinf jotli slew that king; and there-
after he harried far and wide, and had many a battle and
ever gained the day ; and he became hereby honoured and
renowned above all men; so in autumn tide he came
home with many ships and abundant wealth.

Then he told his tidings to the king his father, and he
again to the queen, and she for her part bids him- get him
gone from the realm, and made as if she would in nowise
see him. But Sigmund said he would not drive him
away, and offered her atonement of gold and great wealth

B 57

THE STORY OF THE

for her brother's life, albeit he said he had never erst given
weregild* to any for the slaying of a man, but no fame it
was to uphold wrong against a woman.

So seeing she might not get her own way herein, she
said, "Have thy will in this matter, O my lord, for it is
seemly so to be."

And now she holds the funeral feast for her brother
by the aid and counsel of the king, and makes ready all
things therefor in the best of wise, and bade thither many
great men.

At that feast, Borghild the queen bare the drink to
folk, and she came over against Sinfjotli with a great
horn, and said —

"Fall to now and drink, fair stepson I"

Then he took the horn to him, and looked therein, and
said —

"Nay, for the drink is charmed drink."

Then said Sigmund, "Give it unto me then ;" and there-
with he took the horn and drank it off.

But the queen said to Sinfjotli, "Why must other men
needs drink thine ale for thee?" And she came again the
second time with the horn, and said, "Come now and
drink!" and goaded him with many words.

And he took the horn, and said —

"Guile is in the drink."

And thereon, Sigmund cried out —

"Give it then unto me !"

Again, the third time, she came to him, and bade him
drink off his drink, if he had the heart of a Volsung; then
he laid hand on the horn, but said —

^Wercgild, fine for man-slaying (wer, man, and gild, a paTmtnt).

58

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Venom is therein."

"Nay, let the lip strain it out then, O son," quoth Sig-
mund; and by then was he exceeding drunk with drink,
and therefore spake he in that wise.

So Sinf jotli drank, and straightway fell down dead to
the ground.

Sigmund rose up, and sorrowed nigh to death over
him ; then he took the corpse in his arms and fared away
to the wood, and went till he came to a certain firth ; and
there he saw a man in a little boat ; and that man asked if
he would be wafted by him over the firth, and he said
yea thereto ; but so little was the boat, that they might not
all go in it at once, so the corpse was first laid therein,
while Sigmund went by the firth-side. But therewith the
boat and the man therein vanished away from before
Sigmund's eyes.*

So thereafter Sigmund turned back home, and drave
away the queen, and a little after she died. But Sigmund
the king yet ruled his realm, and is deemed ever the great-
est champion and king of the old law.

11.— OP KING SIGMUND's LAST BATTLE, AND Ot HOW H^
MUST YIELD UP HIS SWORD AGAIN.

There was a king called Eylimi, mighty and of great
fame, and his daughter was called Hjordis, the fairest
and wisest of womankind ; and Sigmund hears it told of
her that she was meet to be his wife, yea if none else were.
So he goes to the house of King Eylimi, who would make
a great feast for him, if so be he comes not thither in the
guise of a foe. So messages were sent from one to the

Thm man In the boat la Odin, doubtl

59

THE STORY OF THE

other that this present journey was a peaceful one, and
not for war ; so the feast was held in the best of wise and
with many a man thereat ; fairs were in every place estab-
lished for King Sigmund, and all things else were done
to the aid and comfort of his journey : so he came to the
feast, and both kings hold their state in one hall ; thither
also was come King Lyngi, son of King Hunding, and
he also is a-wooing the daughter of King Eylimi.

Now the king deemed he knew that the twain had
come thither but for one errand, and thought withal that
war and trouble might be looked for from the hands of
him who brought not his end about; so he spake to his
daughter, and said —

"Thou art a wise woman, and I have spoken it, tliat
thou alone shalt choose a husband for thyself; choose
therefore between these two kings, and my rede shall be
even as thine."

"A hard and troublous matter," says she; "yet will I
choose him who is of greatest fame. King Sigmund to
wit, albeit he is well stricken in years."

So to him was she betrothed, and King Lyngi gat him
gone. Then was Sigmund wedded to Hjordis, and now
each day was the feast better and more glorious than on
the day before it. But thereafter Sigmund went back
home to Hunland, and King Eylimi, his father-in-law,
with him, and King Sigmund betakes himself to the due
ruling of his realm.

But King Lyngi and his brethren gather an army to-
gether, to fall on Sigmund, for as in all matters they were
wont to have the worser lot, so did this bite the sorest of

60

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

all ; and they would fain prevail over the might and pride
of the Volsungs. So they came to Hunland, and sent
King Sigmtmd word how that they would not steal upon
him, and that they deemed he would scarce slink away
from them. So Sigmund said he would come and meet
them in battle, and drew his power together; but Hjordis
was borne into the wood with a certain bondmaid, and
mighty wealth went with them; and there she abode the
while they fought.

Now the vikings rushed from their ships in numbers
not to be borne up against, but Sigmund the King, and
Eylimi, set up their banners, and the horns blew up to
battle; but King Sigmund let blow the horn his father
erst had had, and cheered on his men to the fight, but his
army was far the fewest.

Now was that battle fierce and fell, and though Sig-
mund were old, yet most hardily he fought, and was ever
the foremost of his men ; no shield or byrny might hold
against him, and he went ever through the ranks of his
foemen on that day, and no man might see how things
would fare between them; many an arrow and many a
spear was aloft in air that day, and so his spae-wrights
(spirits) wrought for him that he got no wound, and
none can tell over the tale of those who fell before him,
and both his arms were red with blood, even to the shoul-
ders.

But now whcnas the battle had dured a while, there
came a man into the fight clad in a blue cloak, and with
a slouched hat on his head, one-eyed he was,* and bare a

^Odin coming CO change Uie ownership of the sword he had glYen
Sigmund.

6i

THE STORY OF THE

bill in his hand ; and he came against Sigmund the King,
and have up his bill against him, and as Sigmund smote
fiercely with the sword it fell upon the bill and burst
asunder in the midst : thenceforth the slaughter and dis-
may turned to his side, for the good-hap of King Sig-
mund had departed from him, and his men fell fast about
him; naught did the king spare himself, but the rather
cheered on his men ; but even as the saw says, No might
'gainst many, so was it now proven ; and in this fight fell
Sigmund the King, and King Eylimi, his father-in-law,
in the fore-front of their battle, and therewith the more
part of their folk.

12.— OF THE SHARDS ( PIECES) OF THE SWORD GRAM, AND
HOW HJORDIS WENT TO KING AI.F.

Now King Lyngi made for the king's abode, and was
minded to take the king's daughter there, but failed
herein, for there he found neither wife nor wealth : so he
fared through all the realm, and gave his men rule there-
over, and now deemed that he had slain all the kin of the
Volsungs, and that he need dread them no more from
henceforth.

Now Hjordis went amidst the slain that night of the
battle, and came whereas lay King Sigmund, and asked
if he might be healed ; but he answered —

"Many a man lives after hope has grown little; but my
good-hap has departed from me, nor will I suffer myself
to be healed, nor wills Odin that I should ever draw
sword again, since this my sword and his is broken; lo
now, I have waged war while it was his will."

62

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Naught ill would I deem matters," said she, "if thou
mightest be healed and avenge my father."

The king said, "That is fated for another man ; behold
now, thou are great with a man-child ; nourish him well
and with good heed, and the child shall be the noblest and
most famed of all our kin: and keep well withal the
shards of the sword: thereof shall a goodly sword be
made, and it shall be called Gram, and our son shall bear
it, and shall work many a great work therewith, even such
as eld shall never minish; for his name shall abide and
flourish as long as the world shall endure : and let this be
enow for thee. But now I grow weary with my wounds,
and I will go see our kin that have gone before me."

So Hjordis sat over him till he died at the day-dawn-
ing; and then she looked, and behold, there came many
ships sailing to the land: then she spake to the hand-
maid —

"Let us now change raiment, and be thou called by my
name, and say that thou are the king's daughter."

And thus they did; but now the vikings behold the
great slaughter of men there, and see where two women
fare away thence into the wood ; and they deem that some
great tidings must have befallen, and they leaped ashore
from out their ships. Now the captain of these folk was
Alf, son of Hjalprek, king of Denmaric, who was sailing
with his power along the land. So they came into the
field among the slain, and saw how many men lay dead
there; then the king bade go seek for the women and
bring them thither, and they did so. He asked them what
women they were ; and, little as the thing seems like to be,

63

THE STORY OF THE

the bondmaid answered for the twain, telling of the fall of
King Sigmund and King Eylimi, and many another great
man, and who they were withal who had wrought the
deed. Then the king asks if they wotted where the
wealth of the king was bestowed ; and then says the bond-
maid —

"It may well be deemed that we know full surely
thereof."

And therewith she guides them to the place where the
treasure lay : and there they found exceeding great wealth ;
so that men deem they have never seen so many things of
price heaped up together in one place. All this they bore
to the ships of King Alf, and Hjordis and the bondmaid
went with them. Therewith these sail away to their own
realm, and talk how that surely on that field had fallen
the most renowned of kings.

So the king sits by the tiller, but the women abide in
the forecastle; but talk he had with the women and held
their counsels of much account.

In such wise the king came home to his realm with
gfreat wealth, and he himself was a man exceeding goodly
to look on. But when he had been but a little while at
home, the queen, his mother, asked him why the fairest
of the two women had the fewer rings and the less worthy
attire.

"I deem," she said, "that she whom ye have held of
least account is the nobler of the twain."

He answered : "I too have misdoubted me, that she is
little like a bondwoman, and when we first met, in seemly
wise she greeted noble men. Lo, now, we will make a
trial of the thing." g

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

So on a time as men sat at the drink, the king sat down
to talk with the women, and said —

"In what wise do ye note the wearing of the hours,
whenas night grows old, if ye may not see the lights of
heaven ?"

Then says the bondwoman, "This sign have I, that
whenas in my youth I was wont to drink much in the
dawn, so now when I no longer use that manner, I am yet
wont to wake at that very same tide, and by that token
do I know thereof."

Then the king laughed and said, "111 manners for a
king's daughter !" And therewith he turned to Hjordis,
and asked her even the same question ; but she answered —

"My father erst gave me a little gold ring of such na-
ture that it groweth cold on my finger in the day-dawn-
ing ; and that is the sign that I have to know thereof."

The king answered: "Enow of gold there, where a
very bondmaid bore it ! but come now, thou hast been long
enow hid from me ; yet if thou hadst told me all from the
beginning, I would have done to thee as though we had
both been one king's children : but better than thy deeds
will I deal with thee, for thou shalt be my wife, and due
jointure will I pay thee whenas thou hast borne me a
child."

She spake therewith and told out the whole truth about
herself: so there was she held in great honour, and
deemed the worthiest of women.

13. — OF THE BIRTH AND WAXING OF SIGURD FAFNIR'S-

BANE.

The tale tells that Hjordis brought forth a man-child,

65

THE STORY OF THE

who was straightly borne before King Hjalprck, and then
was the king glad thereof, when he saw the keen eyes in
the head of him, and he said that few men would be equal
to him or like unto him in any wise. So he was sprinkled
with water, and had to name Sigurd, of whom all men
speak with one speech and say that none was ever his
like for growth and goodliness. He was brought up in
the house of King Hjalprek in great love and honour;
and so it is, that whenso all the noblest men and greatest
kings are named in the olden tales, Sigurd is ever put be-
fore them all, for might and prowess, for high mind and
stout heart, wherewith he was far more abundantly gifted
than any man of the northern parts of the wide world.

So Sigurd waxed in King Hjalprek's house, and there
was no child but loved him; through him was Hjordis
betrothed to King Alf, and jointure meted to her.

Now Sigurd's foster-father was hight Regin, the son
of Hreidmar ; he taught him all manner of arts, the chess
play, and the lore of runes, and the talking of many
tongues, even as the wont was with kings' sons in those
days. But on a day when they were togethei:, Reg^n
asked Sigurd, if he knew how much wealth his father
had owned, and who had the ward thereof; Sigurd an-
swered, and said that the kings kept the ward thereof.
Said Regin, "Dost thou trust them all utterly ?"
Sigurd said, "It is seemly that they keep it till I may do
somewhat therewith, for better they wot how to guard it
than I do."

Another time came Regin to talk to Sigurd, and said —
"A marvellous thing truly that thou must needs be a

66

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

horse-boy to the kings, and go about like a running
knave."

"Nay," said Sigurd, "it is not so, for in all things I
have my will, and whatso thing I desire is granted me
with good will."

"Well, then," said Regin, "ask for a horse of them."

"Yea," quoth Sigurd, "and that shall I have, whenso I
have need thereof."

Thereafter Sigurd went to the king, and the king said —

"What wilt thou have of us ?"

Then said Sigurd, "I would even a horse of thee for
my disport."

Then said the king, "Choose for thyself a horse, and
whatso thing else thou desirest among my matters."

So the next day went Sigurd to the wood, and met on
the way an old man, long-bearded, that he knew not, who
asked him whither away.

Sigurd said, "I am minded to choose me a horse ; come
thou, and counsel me thereon."

"Well then," said he, "go we and drive them to the
river which is called Busil-tarn."

They did so, and drave the horses down into the deeps
of the river, and all swam back to land but one horse ; and
that horse Sigurd chose for himself ; grey he was of hue,
and young of years, great of growth, and fair to look on,
nor had any man yet crossed his back.

Then spake the grey-beard, "From Sleipnir's kin is this
norse come, and he must be nourished heedfuUy, for it
will be the best of all horses;" and therewithal he van-
ished away.

67

THE STORY OF THE

So Sigurd called the horse Grani, the best of all the
horses of the world ; nor was the man he met other than
Odin himself.

Now yet again spake Regin to Sigurd, and said —

"Not enough is thy wealth, and I grieve right sore
that thou must needs run here and there like a churl's
son ; but I can tell thee where there is much wealth for
the winning, and great name and honour to be won in the
getting of it."

Sigurd asked where that might be, and who had watch
and ward over it.

Regin answered, "Fafnir is his name, and but a little
way hence he lies, on the waste of Gnita-heath ; and when
thou comest there thou mayst well say that thou hast
never seen more gold heaped together in one place, and
that none might desire more treasure, though he were the
most ancient and famed of all kings."

"Young am I," says Sigurd, "yet know I the fashion
of this worm, and how that none dqrst go against him, so
huge and evil is he."

Regin said, "Nay it is not so, the fashion and the
growth of him is even as of other lingworms,^ and an
over great tale men make of it; and even so would thy
forefathers have deemed ; but thou, though thou be of the
kin of the Volsungs, shalt scarce have the heart and mind
of those, who are told of as the first in all deeds of fame."

Sigurd said, "Yea, belike I have little of their hardi-
hood and prowess, but thou hast naught to do, to lay a
coward's name upon me, when I am scarce out of my

^Lingworm — longworm, dragon.

68

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

childish years. Why dost thou egg me on hereto so
busily?"

Regin said, "Therein lies a tale which I must needs
tell thee."

"Let me hear the same," said Sigurd.

14. — ^REGIN^S TALE OF HIS BROTHERS, AND OF THE GOLD

CALLED ANDVARl'S HOAIU).

"Thus the tale begins," said Regin. "Hreidmar was
my father's name, a mighty man and a wealthy : and his
first son was named Fafnir, his second Otter, and I was
the third, and the least of them all both of prowess and
good conditions, but I was cunning to work in iron, and
silver and gold, whereof I could make matters that availed
somewhat. Other skill my brother Otter followed, and
had another nature withal, for he was a great fisher, and
above other men herein ; in that he had the likeness of an
otter by day, and dwelt ever in the river, and bare fish to
bank in his mouth, and his prey would he ever bring to
our father, and that availed him much ; for the most part
he kept him in his otter-gear, and then he would come
home, and eat alone, and slumbering, for on the dry land
he might see naught. But Fafnir was by far the greatest
and grimmest, and would have all things about called his.

"Now," says Regin, "there was a dwarf called Andvari,
who ever abode in that force,* which was called Andvan's
force, in the likeness of a pike, and got meat for himself,
for many fish there were in the force; now Otter, my
brother, was ever wont to enter into the force, and bring

^Waterfall (Ice. fo»9, fon),

69

THE STORY OF THE

fish aland, and lay them one by one on the bank. And so
it befell that Odin, Loki, and Hoenir, as they went their
ways, came to Andvari's force, and Otter had taken a
salmon, and ate it slumbering upon the river bank; then
Loki took a stone and cast it at Otter, so that he gat
his death thereby ; the gods were well content with their
prey, and fell to flaying off the otter's skin; and in the
evening they came to Hreidmar's house, and showed him
what they had taken: thereupon he laid hands on them,
and doomed them to such ransom, as that they should fill
the otter skin with gold, and cover it over without with
red gold; so they sent Loki to gather gold together for
them ; he came to Ran,* and got her net, and went there-
with to Andvari's force, and cast the net before the pike,
and the pike ran into the net and was taken. Then said
Loki —

" What fish of all fishes.

Swims strong in the flood.
But hath learnt little wit to beware?

Thine head must thou buy,

From abiding in hell.
And find me the wan waters flame.'

He answered —

"'Andvari folk call me.

Call Oinn my father.
Over many a force have I fared;

For a Norn of ill-luck.

This life on me lay
Through wet ways ever to wade.'

iRan is the goddets of the sea, wife of JBgir. The otter was held
aacred by Noreefolk and figures In the myth and legend of most races
besides ; to this day Its kUUng Is held a great crime by the Parsees (Haug.
Religion of the Par$ee$, page 212). Compare penalty above with that for
kUllng the Welsh king's cat {Ancient Law8 and Inatitute* of Wales).

70

''So Ijskz fceftgftf tftg gp^ of AnrfMart^ 2nd wbes be
harf |p:¥d op c&c: golii.. &c ?Tatf bnti oixk rang' left, inif rftrtt
2bQ Loki tDcfi: d?3xi fimi : rfigii t&e cfwsrt wvot nxtD 2.
hoDov of dK roci^ 2z2i£ cTKff ace Asit dtsc g'^IiS-rnii^ ja
and an Ae fpld wtc&aL dctdii be ±e bxat of cterj aeebi

'^ow die $^3(£i rede wtt& t&c: trrsCTnre to HrcsAnsr,
and faffiQed Hat ocoer-^cnu axuf set ^ ocx ks fierr, azKf tfirr
most GO¥cr ic ever urrwly wrtfi sold : bat wfies tiia was
donetfifii Hi'ffi fi I jar rame cordu and fiefiefif let ooeaf tf&e
iim/ile TtarrgL amf bode rfieTii cuvex rhaf witlial : tften Odin
drew Ae nng;. AxufvarTj Lgchu frnm ba baTirf, ^md
crcd up due lEazr tfterewTX&r rfrerr sang^ Lofet—

'^tjoCd exnnr, foid enow;

A gnsa£ w e rcji i lifr t&oa haac;
T&at aiT- lieaif in gcwMf ba)^ ItagjhaU^

Bat c&oa and t&y Msa

Afc Hmmnc nitiPff to nnve^
The bone s&ail itbieoi ym boc&/

•TTherealtcr,'" say^ R^jgin^ '^Fafiifr slew ba 6Aer and
mnrdcrcd bim, isor goc I angfit or the treasme; and so ewH
be grew, dot be Ml to Ijia^ ibcroA^ and begrudged anr
ststfe m die weaMi to anr inaxu and sohtamt die wont
€i an wonzB. and ever new lies broofUng tzpon diat treas-
ure: bnt for me, I went to die king and brrame ins
naster-sm^; axid dms a die tile tnid of bow I k»t ds
hcrit:^ of my fatber. and die wcregiH for my bcotber.**

So spoke Regm; bnt since dxat tone gold s called
Otte^gSd, and for no odier came than dixs.

But Sigurd axswered, **\iuA hast thoa lost, axai cc*

THE STORY OF THE

ceeding evil have thy kinsmen been! but now, make a
sword by thy craft, such a sword as that none can be
made Hke unto it ; so that I may do great deeds therewith,
if my heart avail thereto, and thou wouldst have me slay
this mighty dragon."

Regin says, "Trust me well herein ; and with that same
sword shalt thou slay Fafnir."

15. — OF THE WELDING TOGETHER OF THE SHARDS OF THE

SWORD GRAM.

So Regin makes a sword, and gives it into Sigurd's
hands. He took the sword, and said —

"Behold thy smithying, Regin!" and therewith smote
it into the anvil, and the sword brake; so he cast down
the brand, and bade him forge a better.

Then Regin forged another sword, and brought it to
Sigurd, who looked thereon.

Then said Reg^n, "Belike thou art well content there-
with, hard master though thou be in smithying."

So Sigurd proved the sword, and brake it even as the
first; then he said to Regin —

"Ah, art thou, mayhappen, a traitor and a liar like to
those former kin of thine?"

Therewith he went to his mother, and she welcomed
him in seemly wise, and they talked and drank together.

Then spake Sigurd, "Have I heard aright, that King
Sigmund gave thee the good sword Gram in two pieces ?"

"True enough," she said.

So Sigurd said, "Deliver them into my hands, for I
would have them."

72

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

She said he looked like to win great fame, and gave him
the sword. Therewith went Sigurd to Regin, and bade
him make a good sword thereof as he best might ; Regin
grew wroth thereat, but went into the smithy with the
pieces of the sword, thinking well meanwhile that Sigurd
pushed his head far enow into the matter of smithying.
So he made a sword, and as he bore it forth from the
forge, it seemed to the smiths as though fire burned along
the edges thereof. Now he bade Sigurd take the sword,
and said he knew not how to make a sword if this one
failed. Then Sigurd smote it into the anvil, and cleft it
down to the stock thereof, and neither burst the sword
nor brake it. Then he praised the sword much, and
thereafter went to the river with a lock of wool, and
threw it up against the stream, and it fell asunder when
it met the sword. Then was Sigurd glad, and went
home.

But Regin said, "Now whereas I have made the sword
for thee, belike thou wilt hold to thy troth given, and
wilt go meet Fafnir?"

"Surely will I hold thereto," said Sigurd, "yet first
must I avenge my father."

Now Sigurd the older he grew, the more he grew in
the love of all men, so that every child loved him well.

16. — THH PROPHECY OF CRIFIR.

There was a man hight Grifir (Gripir), who was
Sigurd's mother's brother, and a little after the forging of
the sword Sigurd went to Grifir, because he was a man
who knew things to come, and what was fated to men : of

6 73

THE STORY OF THE

him Sigurd asked diligently how his life should go; but
Grifir was long or he spake, yet at the last, by reason of
Sigurd's exceeding great prayers, he told him all his life
and the fate thereof, even as afterwards came to pass. So
when Grifir had told him all even as he would, he went
back home; and a little after he and Regin met.

Then said Regin, "Go thou and slay Fafnir, even as
thou hast given thy word."

Sigurd said, "That work shall be wrought ; but another
is first to be done, the avenging of Sigmund the king and
the other of my kinsmen who fell in that their last fight."

17. — OF Sigurd's avenging of sigmund his father.

Now Sigurd went to the kings, and spake thus — •

"Here have I abode a space with you, and I owe you
thanks and reward, for great love and many gifts and
all due honour; but now will I away from the land and
go meet the sons of Hunding, and do them to wit that
the Volsungs are not all dead ; and your might would I
have to strengthen me therein."

So the kings said they would give him all things
soever that he desired, and therewith was a great army
got ready, and all things wrought in the most heedful
wise, ships and all war-gear, so that his journey might
be of the stateliest : but Sigurd himself steered the dragon-
keel which was the greatest and noblest ; richly wrought
were their sails, and glorious to look on.

So they sail and have wind at will ; but when a few days
were overpast, there arose a great storm on the sea, and
the waves were to behold even as the foam of men's

74

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

blood ; but Sigiird bade take in no sail, howsoever they
might be riven, but rather to lay on higher than hereto-
fore. But as they sailed past the rocks of a ness, a cer-
tain man hailed the ships, and asked who was captain over
that navy; then was it told him that the chief and lord
was Sigurd, the son of Sigmund, the most famed of all
the young men who now are.

Then said the man, "Naught but one thing, certes, do
all say of him, that none among the sons of kings may be
likened unto him ; now fain were I that ye would shorten
sail on some of the ships, and take me aboard."

Then they asked him of his name, and he sang —

Hnikar I hight.

When gladdened Huginn,

And went to battle.

Bright son of Volsung;

Now may ye call

The carl on the cliff top,

Feng or Fjolnir:

Fain would I with you.

They made for land therewith, and took that man aboard.

Then the storm abated, and on they fared till they came
aland in the realm of Htmdingf's sons, and then Fjolnir
vanished away.

Then they let loose fire and sword, and slew men and
burnt their abodes, and did waste all before them : a great
company of folk fled before the face of them to Lyngi the
King, and tell him that men of war are in the land, and
are faring with such rage and fury that the like has never
been heard of; and that the sons of King Hunding had
no great forecast in that they said they would never fear

75

THE STORY OF THE

the Volsungs more, for here was come Sigurd, the son of
Sigmund, as captain over this army.

So King Lyngi let send the war-message all throughout
his realm, and has no will to flee, but summons to him all
such as would give him aid. So he came against Sigurd
with a great army, he and his brothers with him, and an
exceeding fierce fight befell ; many a spear and many an
arrow might men see there raised aloft, axes hard driven,
shields cleft and byrnies torn, helmets were shivered,
skulls split atwain, and many a man felled to the cold
earth.

And now when the fight has long dured in such wise,
Sigurd goes forth before the banners, and has the good
sword Gram in his hand, and smites down both men and
horses, and goes through the thickest of the throng with
both arms red with blood to the shoulder ; and folk shrank
aback before him wheresoever he went, nor would either
helm or bymy hold before him, and no man deemed he
had ever seen his like. So a long while the battle lasted,
and many a man was slain, and furious was the onset ; till
at last it befell, even as seldom comes to hand, when a
land army falls on, that, do whatso they might, naught
was brought about ; but so many men fell of the sons of
Hunding that the tale of them may not be told ; and now
w^henas Sigurd was among the foremost, came the sons
of Hunding against him, and Sigurd smote therewith at
Lyngi the king, and clave him down, both helm and head,
and mail-clad body, and thereafter he smote Hjorward
his brother atwain, and then slew all the other sons of
Hunding who were yet alive, and the more part of their
folk withal. -g

VOLSVNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Now home goes Sigurd with fair victory won, and
plenteous wealth and great honour, which he had gotten
to him in this journey, and feasts were made for him
against he came back to the realm.

But when Sigurd had been at home but a little, came
Regin to talk with him, and said —

"Belike thou wilt now have good will to bow down
Fafnir's crest according to thy word plighted, since thou
hast thus revenged thy father and the others of thy kin."

Sigurd answered, "That will we hold to, even as we
have promised, nor did it ever fall from our memory."

18.-0^ THE SLAYING OF THE WORM FAFNIR.

Now Sigurd and Regin ride up the heath along that
same way wherein Fafnir was wont to creep when he
fared to the water ; and folk say that thirty fathoms was
the height of that cliff along which he lay when he drank
of the water below. Then Sigurd spake:

"How sayedst thou, Regin, that this dragon was no
greater than other lingworms ; methinks the track of him
is marvellous great ?"

Then said Regin, "Make thee a hole, and sit down
therein, and whenas the worm comes to the water, smite
him into the heart, and so do him to death, and win for
thee great fame thereby."

But Sigurd said, "What will betide me if I be before
the blood of the worm ?"

Says Reg^n, "Of what avail to counsel thee if thou art
still afraid of everything? Little are thou like thy kin
in stoutness of heart."

77

THE STORY OF THE

Then Sigurd rides right over the heath ; but Regin gets
him gone, sore afraid.

But Sigurd fell to digging him a pit, and whiles he was
at that work, there came to him an old man with a long
beard, and asked what he wrought there, and he told him.

Then answered the old man and said, "Thou doest after
sorry counsel : rather dig thee many pits, and let the blood
run therein; but sit thee down in one thereof, and so
thrust the worm's heart through."

And therewithal he vanished away; but Sigurd made
the pits even as it was shown to him.

Now crept the worm down to his place of watering,
and the earth shook all about him, and he snorted forth
fire and venom on all the way before him as he went ; but
Sigurd neither trembled nor was afraid at the roaring of
him. So whenas the worm crept over the pits, Sigurd
thrust his sword under his left shoulder, so that it sank in
up to the hilt ; then up leapt Sigurd from the pit and drew
the sword back again unto him, and therewith was his
arm all bloody, up to the very shoulder.

Now when that mighty worm was ware that he had his
death-wound, then he lashed out head and tail, so that all
things soever that were before him were broken to pieces.

So whenas Fafnir had his death-wound, he asked
"Who art thou? and who is thy father? and what thy kin,
that thou wert so hardy as to bear weapons against me?"

Sigurd answered, "Unknown to men is my kin. I am
called a noble beast : neither father have I nor mother,
and all alone have I fared hither."

Said Fafnir, "Whereas thou has neither father nor

78

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

mother, of what wonder wert thou born then ? But now,
though thou tellest me not thy name on this my death-day,
yet thou knowest verily that thou liest unto me."

He answered, "Sigurd am I called, and my father was
Sigmund."

Says Fafnir, "Who egged thee on to this deed, and why
wouldst thou be driven to it? Hadst thou never heard
how that all folk were afraid of me, and of the awe of
my countenance? But an eager father thou hadst, O
bright-eyed swain!"

Sigurd answered, "A hardy heart urged me on hereto ;
and a strong hand and this sharp sword, which well thou
knowest now, stood me in stead in the doing of the deed ;
Seldom hath hardy eld a faint-heart youth."

Fafnir said, "Well, I wot that hadst thou waxed amid
thy kin, thou mightest have good skill to slay folk in thine
anger ; but more of a marvel is it, that thou, a bondsman
taken in war, shouldst have the heart to set on me, for few
among bondsmen have heart for tlie -fight"

Said Sigurd, "Wilt thou then cast it in my teeth that I
am far away from my kin? Albeit I was a bondsman,
yet was I never shackled. God wot thou hast found me
free enow."

Fafnir answered, "In angry wise dost thou take my
speech; but hearken, for that same gold which I have
owned shall be thy bane too."

Quoth Sigurd, "Fain would we keep all our wealth till
that day of days; yet shall each man die once for all."

Said Fafnir, "Few things wilt thou do after my coun-
sel; but take heed that thou shalt be drowned if thou

79

THE STORY OF THE

farest unwarily over the sea ; so abide thou rather on the
dry land, for the coming of the calm tide."

Then said Sigurd, "Speak, Fafnir, and say, if thou art
so exceeding wise, who are the Norns who rule the lot of
all mothers' sons."

Fafnir answers, "Many there be and wide apart; for
some are the kin of the iEsir, and some are of Elfin kin,
and some there are who are daughters of Dvalin."

Said Sigurd, "How namest thou the holm whereon
Surt^ and the 2Esit mix and mingle the water of the
sword ?"

"Unshapen is that holm hight," said Fafnir.

And yet again he said, "Regin, my brother, has brought
about my end, and it gladdens my heart that thine too he
bringeth about; for thus will things be according to his
will."

And once again he spake, "A countenance of terror I
bore up before all folk, after that I brooded over the
heritage of my brother, and on every side did I spout out
poison, so that none durst come anigh me, and of no
weapon was I afraid, nor ever had I so many men before
me, as that I deemed myself not stronger than all ; for all
men were sore afraid of me."

Sigurd answered and said, "Few may have victory by
means of that same countenance of terror, for whoso
comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man
is by so far the mightiest of all."

Then says Fafnir, "Such counsel I give thee, that thou
take thy horse and ride away at thy speediest, for ofttimes

^Surt ; a fire-giant, who will destroy the WQrI<l at the Eac^narok, or
destruction of all thin^, iEsir; the gods.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

it falls out so, that he who gets a death-wound avenges
himself none the less."

Sigurd answered, "Such as thy redes are I will nowise
do after them ; nay, I will ride now to thy lair and take to
me that great treasure of thy kin."

"Ride there then," said Fafnir, "and thou shalt find
gold enow to suffice thee for all thy life-days; yet shall
that gold be thy bane, and the bane of every one soever
who owns it."

Then up stood Sigurd, and said, "Home would I ride
and lose all that wealth, if I deemed that by the losing
thereof I should never die ; but every brave and true man
will fain have his hand on wealth till that last day ; but
thou, Fafnir, wallow in the death-pain till Death and Hell
have thee."

And therewithal Fafnir died.

19.— OF THE SLAYING OF REGIN, SON OF HREIDMAR.

Thereafter came Regin to Sigurd, and said, "Hail,
lord and master, a noble victory hast thou won in the
slaying of Fafnir, whereas none durst heretofore abide in
the path of him ; and now shall this deed of fame be of
renown while the world stands fast."

Then stood Regin staring on the earth a long while,
and presently thereafter spake from heavy mood : "Mine
own brother hast thou slain, and scarce may I be called
sackless of the deed."

Then Sigurd took his sword Gram and dried it on the
earth, and spake to Regin —

"Afar thou faredst when I wrought this deed and tried

8i

THE STORY OF THE

this sharp sword with the hand and the might of me ; with
all the might and main of a dragon must I strive, while
thou wert laid alow in the heather-bush, wotting not if it
were earth or heaven."

Said Regin, "Long might this worm have lain in his
lair, if the sharp sword I forged with my hand had not
been good at need to thee ; had that not been, neither thou
nor any man would have prevailed against him as at this
time."

Sigurd answers, "Whenas men meet foes in fight, bet-
ter is stout heart than sharp sword."

Then said Regin, exceeding heavily, "Thou hast slain
my brother, and scarce may I be sackless of the deed."

Therewith Sigurd cut out the heart of the worm with
the sword called Ridil ; but Regin drank of Faf nir's blood,
and spake, "Grant me a boon, and do a thing little for thee
to do. Bear the heart to the fire, and roast it, and give
me thereof to eat."

Then Sigurd went his ways and roasted it on a rod;
and when the blood bubbled out he laid his finger thereon
to essay it, if -it were fully done ; and then he set his finger
in his mouth, and lo, when the heart-blood of the worm
touched his tongfue, straightway he knew the voice of all
fowls, and heard withal how the wood-peckers chattered
in the brake beside him —

**There sittest thou, Sigurd, roasting Fafnir's heart for
another, that thou shouldest eat thine ownself, and then
thou shouldest become the wisest of all men."

And another spake : "There lies Regin, minded to be*
guile the man who trusts in him."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

But yet again said the third, "Let him smite the head
from off him then, and be only lord of all that gold."

And once more the fourth spake and said, "Ah, the
wiser were he if he followed after that good counsel, and
rode thereafter to Fafnir's lair, and took to him that
mighty treasure that lieth there, and then rode over
Hindfell, whereas sleeps Brynhild ; for there^ouldJi£-get
great wisdom. Ah, wise he^were, if he did after your
redespanJTethought him of his own weal; for where
wolfs ears are, wolfs teeth are near"

Then cried the fifth : "Yea, yea, not so wise is he as I
deem him, if he spareth him, whose brother he hath slain
already."

At last spake the sixth: "Handy and good rede to
slay him, and be lord of the treasure !"

Then said Sigurd, "The time is unborn wherein Regin
shall be my bane; nay, rather one road shall both these
brothers fare."

And therewith he drew his sword Gram and struck off
Regin's head.

Then heard Sigurd the wood-peckers a-singing, even
as the song says.

Then Sigurd ate some deal of Fafnir*s heart, and the
remnant he kept. Then he leapt on his horse and rode
along the trail of the worm Fafnir, and so right unto his
abiding-place; and he found it open, and beheld all the
doors and the gear of them that they were wrought of
iron ; yea, and all the beams of the house ; and it was dug
down deep into the earth: there found Sigurd gold ex-
ceeding plenteous, and the sword Rotti; and thence he

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THE STORY OF THE

took the Helm of Awe, and the Gold Byrny, and many
things fair and good. So much gold he found there, that
he thought verily that scarce might two horses, or three
belike, bear it thence. So he took all the gold and laid it
in two great chests, and set them on the horse Grani, and
took the reins of him, but nowise will he stir, neither will
he abide smiting. Then Sigurd knows the mind of
the horse, and leaps on the back of him, and smites and
spurs into him, and off the horse goes even as if he were
unladen.

20.— o^ Sigurd's meeting with brynhild on the

MOUNTAIN.

By long roads rides Sigurd, till he comes at the last
up on to Hindfell, and wends his way south to the land
of the Franks; and he sees before him on the fell a
great light, as of fire burning, and flaming up even unto
the heavens ; and when he came thereto, lo, a shield-hung
castle before him, and a banner on the topmost thereof :
into the castle went Sigurd, and saw one lying there
asleep, and all-armed. Therewith he takes the helm
from off the head of him, and sees that it is no man,
but a woman; and she was clad in a byrny as closely
set on her as though it had grown to her flesh; so he
rent it from the collar downwards; and then the sleeves
thereof, and ever the sword bit on it as if it were cloth.
Then said Sigurd that over-long had she lain asleep;
but she asked —

"What thing of great might is it that has prevailed to
rend my byrny, and draw me from my sleep?"

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Ah, is it so, that here is come Sigurd Sigmundson,
bearing Fafnir's helm on his head and Fafnir's bane in
his hand?"

"Of the Volsung's kin is he who has done the deed;
but now I have heard that thou art daughter of a mighty
king, and folk have told us that thou wert lovely and
full of lore, and now I will try the same."

Then Brynhild sang —

"Long have I slept

And slumbered long.
Many and long are the woes of mankind,

By the might of Odin

Must I bide helpless
To shake from off me the spells of slumber.

Hail to the day come back!

Hail, sons of the daylight!
Hail to thee, dark night, and thy daughter!

Look with kind eyes adown,

On us sitting here lonely.
And give unto us the gain that we long for.

Hail to the ^sir,

And the sweet Asyniurl*
Hail to the fair earth fulfilled of plenty!

Fair words, wise hearts,

Would we win from you.
And healing hands while life we hold."

Then Brynhild speaks again and says, "Two kings
fought, one hight Helm Gunnar, an old man, and the
greatest of warriors, and Odin had promised the victory
unto him; but his foe was Agnar, or Aud's brother;
and so I smote down Hehn Gunnar in the fight; and

HSoddesMS.

85

THE STORY OF THE

Odin, in vengeance for that deed, stuck the sleep-thorn
into me, and said that I would never again have the
victory, but should be given away in marriage ; but there-
against I vowed a vow, that never would I wed one who
knew the name of fear."

Then said Sigurd, "Teach us the lore of mighty mat-
ters !"

She said, "BeliT^e thou cannest more skill in all than
I; yet will I teach tliee; yea, and with thanks, if there
be aught of my cunning that will in anywise pleasure
thee, either of runes or of other matters that are the root
of things; but now let us drink together, and may the
Gods give to us twain a good day, that thou mayst win
good help and fame from my wisdom, and that thou
mayst hereafter mind thee of that which we twain speak
together."

Then Brynhild filled a beaker and bore it to Sigurd, and
gave him the drink of love, and spake —

"Beer bring I to thee,
Fair fruit of the byrnies' clash.
Mixed is it mightily,
Mingled with fame,
Brimming with bright lays
And pitiful runes.
Wise words, sweet words,
Speech of great game.

Runes of war know thou.

If great thou wilt be!
Cut them on hilt of hardened sword.

Some on the brand's back,

Some on its shining side,
Twice name Tyr therein.

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VOLSUNCS AND NIBLUNCS

Sea-runes good at need,

Learnt for ship's saving.
For the good health of the swimming horse;

On the stern cut them,

Cut them on the rudder-blade
And set flame to shaven oar:

Howso big be the sea-hills,

Howso blue beneath.
Hail from the main then comest thou home.

Word-runes learn well

If thou wilt that no man
Pay back grief for the grief thou gavest;

Wind thou these,

Weave thou these.
Cast thou these all about thee,

At the Thing,

Where folk throng.
Unto the full doom faring.

Of ale-runes know the wisdom

If thou wilt that another's wife
Should not bewray thine heart that trusteth:

Cut them on the mead-horn,

On the back of each hand,
And nick an N upon thy naiL

Ale have thou heed

To sign from all harm
Leek lay thou in the liquor.

Then I know for sure

Never cometh to thee.
Mead with hurtful matters mingled.

Help-runes shalt thou gather

If skill thou wouldst gain
To loosen child from low-laid mother;

Cut be they in hands hollow,

Wrapped the joints round about;
Call for the Good-folks' gainsome helping

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THE STORY OF THE

Learn the bough-runes wisdom

If leech-lore thou lovest;
And wilt wot about wounds' searching

On the bark be they scored;

On the buds of trees
Whose boughs look eastward ever.

Thought-runes shalt thou deal with

If thou wilt be of all men
Fairest-souled wight, and wisest,

These areded

These first cut
These first took to heart high Hropt.

On the shield were they scored
That stands before the shining God,
On Early-waking's ear.
On All-knowing's hoof.
On the wheel which runneth
Under Rognir's chariot;
On Sleipnir's jaw-teeth.
On the sleigh's traces.

On the rough bear's paws^
And on Bragi's tongue,
On the wolf's claws,
And on eagle's bill.
On bloody wings.
And bridge's end;
On loosing palms.
And pity's path:

On glass, and on gold,

And on goodly silver.

In wine and In wort,

And the seat of the witch-wife;

On Gungnir's point.

And Grani's bosom;

On the Norn's nail,

And the neb of the night-owl

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

All these so cut.

Were shaven and sheared,

And mingled in with holy mead,

And sent upon wide ways enow;
Some abide with the Elves,
Some abide with the ^sir.

Or with the wise Vanir,

Some still hold the sons of mankind.

These be the book-runes.

And the runes of good help.
And all the ale-runes.
And the runes of much might;

To whomso they may avail,

Unbewildered unspoilt;
They are wholesome to have:
Thrive thou with these then.
When thou hast learnt their lore,
Till the Gods end thy life-days.

Now shalt thou choose thee

E'en as choice is bidden.
Sharp steel's root and stem,

Choose song or silence;

See to each in thy heart.
All hurt has been heeded."

Then answered Sigurd —

"Ne'er shall I flee.
Though thou wottest me fey;
Never was I born for blenching,
Thy loved rede will I

Hold aright in my heart
Even as long as I may live.'

»>

21. — MORE WISE WORDS O^ BRYNHILD.

Sigurd spake now, "Sure no wiser woman than thou
7 89

THE STORY OF THE

art one may be found in the wide world ; yea, yea, teach
me more yet of thy wisdom !"

She answers, "Seemly is it that I do according to thy
will, and show thee forth more redes of great avail, for
thy prayer's sake and thy wisdom;" and she spake
withal —

"Be kindly to friend and kin, and reward not their
trespasses against thee; bear and forbear, and win for
thee thereby long enduring praise of men.

"Take good heed of evil things : a may's (maid's) love,
and a man's wife; full oft thereof doth ill befall!

"Let not thy mind be overmuch crossed by unwise men
at thronged meetings of folk; for oft these speak worse
than they wot of; lest thou be called a dastard, and art
minded to think that thou art even as is said; slay such
an one on another day, and so reward his ugly talk.

"If thou farest by the way whereas bide evil things,
be well aware of thyself; take not harbour near the high-
way, though thou be benighted, for oft abide there ill
wights for men's bewilderment.

"Let not fair women beguile thee, such as thou mayst
meet at the feast, so that the thought thereof stand thee
in stead of sleep, and a quiet mind ; yea, draw them not
to thee with kisses or other sweet things of love.

"If thou hearest the fool's word of a drunken man,
strive not with him being drunk with drink and witless ;
many a grief, yea, and the very death, groweth from out
such things.

"Fight thy foes in the field, nor be burnt in thine
house.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Never swear thou wrongsome oath ; great and grim is
the reward for the breaking of plighted troth.

"Give kind heed to dead men, — sick-dead, sea-dead, or
sword-dead; deal heedfuUy with their dead corpses.

"Trow never in him for whom thou hast slain father,
brother, or whatso near kin, yea, though young he be;
for oft waxes wolf in youngling.

"Look thou with good heed to the wiles of thy friends ;
but little skill is given to me, that I should foresee the
ways of thy life; yet good it were that hate fell not on
thee from those of thy wife's house."

Sigurd spake, "None among the softs of men can be
found wiser than thou; and thereby swear I, that thee
will I have as my own, for near to my heart thou liest."

She answers, "Thee would I fainest choose, though I
had all men's sons to choose from."

And thereto they plighted troth both of them.

22.— of the semblance and array of sigurd faf-

nir's-bane.

Now Sigurd rides away ; many-folded is his shield, and
blazing with red gold, and the image of a dragon is
drawn thereon; and this same was dark brown above,
and bright ted below ; and with even such-like image was
adorned helm, and saddle, and coat-armour; and he was
clad in the golden bymy, and all his weapons were gold-
wrought.

Now for this cause was the drake drawn on all his
weapons, that when he was seen of men, all folk might
know who went there; yea, all those who had heard of

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THE STORY OF THE

his slaying of that great dragon, that the Veerings call
Fafnir ; and for that cause are his weapons gold-wrought,
and brown of hue, and that he was by far above other
men in courtesy and goodly manners, and well-nigh in all
things else; and whenas folk tell of all the mightiest
champions, and the noblest chiefs, then ever is he named
the foremost, and his name goes wide about on all tongues
north of the sea of the Greek-lands, and even so shall it
be while the world endures.

Now the hair of this Sigurd was golden-red of hue, fair
of fashion, and falling down in great locks; thick and
short was his beard, and of no other colour; high-nosed
he was, broad and high-boned of face ; so keen were his
eyes, that few durst gaze up under the brows of him ; his
shoulders were as broad to look on as the shoulders of
two; most duly was his body fashioned betwixt height
and breadth, and in such wise as was seemliest; and this
IS the sign told of his height, that when he was girt with
his sword Gram, which same was seven spans long, as he
went through the full-grown rye-fields, the dew-shoe of
the said sword smote the ears of the standing corn ; and,
for all that, greater was his strength than his growth;
well could he wield sword, and cast forth spear, shoot
shaft, and hold shield, bend bow, back horse, and do all
the goodly deeds that he learned in his youth's days.

Wise he was to know things yet undone ; and the voice
of all fowls he knew, wherefore few things fell on him
unawares.

Of many words he was, and so fair of speech withal,
that whensoever he made it his business to speak, he never

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

left speaking before that to all men it seemed full sure,
that no otherwise must the matter be than as he said.

His sport and pleasure was to give aid to his own folk,
and to prove himself in mighty matters, to take wealth
from his unfriends, and give the same to his friends.

Never did he lose heart, and of naught was he afraid.

23. — SIGURD COMES TO HLYMDALE.

Forth Sigurd rides till he comes to a great and goodly
dwelling, the lord whereof was a mighty chief called
Heimir; he had to wife a sister of Brynhild, who was
hight Bekkhild, because she had bidden at home, and
learned handicraft, whereas Brynhild fared with helm and
bymy unto the wars, wherefore was she called Brynhild.

Heimir and Bekkhild had a son called Alswid, the most
courteous of men.

Now at this stead were men disporting them abroad,
but when they see the man riding thereto, they leave their
play to wonder at him, for none such had they ever seen
erst ; so they went to meet him, and gave him good wel-
come; Alswid bade him abide and have such things at
his hands as he would ; and he takes his bidding blithe-
somely ; due service withal was established for him ; four
men bore the treasure of gold from off the horse, and the
fifth took it to him to guard the same ; therein were many
things to behold, things of great price, and seldom seen;
and great game and joy men had to look on byrnies and
helms, and mighty rings, and wondrous great golden
stoups, and all kinds of war weapons.

So there dwelt Sigurd long in great honour holden;

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THE STORY OF THE

and tidings of that deed of fame spread wide through all
lands, of how he had slain that hideous and fearful
dragon. So good joyance had they there together, and
each was leal (loyal) to other; and their sport was in the
arraying of their weapons, and the shafting of their ar-
rows, and the flying of their falcons.

24. — SIGURD SEES BRYNHILD AT HLYMDALE.

In those days came home to Heimir, Brynhild, his fos-
ter-daughter, and she sat in her bower with her maidens,
and could more skill in handycraft than other women;
she sat, overlaying cloth with gold, and sewing therein
the great deeds which Sigurd had wrought, the slaying
of the Worm, and the taking of the wealth of him, and
the death of Regin withal.

Now tells the tale, that on a day Sigurd rode into the
wood with hawk, and hound, and men thronging; and
whenas he came home his hawk flew up to a high tower,
and sat him down on a certain window. Then fared
Sigurd after his hawk, and he saw where sat a fair
woman, and knew that it was Brynhild, and he deems
all things he sees there to be worthy together, both her
fairness, and the fair things she wrought; and therewith
he goes into the hall, but has no more joyance in the
games of the men folk.

Then spake Alswid, "Why art thou so bare of bliss?
this manner of thine grieveth us thy friends; why then
wilt thou not hold to thy gleesome ways ? Lo, thy hawks
pine now, and thy horse Grani droops; and long will it
be ere we are booted thereof ?"

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Sigurd answered, "Good friend, hearken to what lies
on my mind ; for my hawk flew up into a certain tower ;
and when I came thereto and took him, lo there I saw a
fair woman, and she sat by a needlework of gold, and did
thereon my deeds that are passed, and my deeds that are
to come."

Then said Alswid, "Thou hast seen Brynhild, Budli's
daughter, the greatest of great women."

"Yea, verily," said Sigurd; "but how came she hither?"

Alswid answered, "Short space there was betwixt the
coming hither of the twain of you."

Says Sigurd, "Yea, but a few days agone I knew her
for the best of the world's women."

Alswid said, "Give not all thine heed to one woman,
being such a man as thou art; ill life to sit lamenting for
what we may not have."

"I shall go meet her," says Sigurd, "and get from her
love like my love, and give her a gold ring in token
thereof."

Alswid answered, "None has ever yet been known
whom she would let sit beside her, or to whom she would
give drink ; for ever will she hold to warfare and to the
winning of all kinds of fame."

Sigurd said, "We know not for sure whether she will
give us answer or not, or grant us a seat beside her."

So the next day after, Sigurd went to the bower, but
Alswid stood outside the bower door, fitting shafts to his
arrows.

Now Sigurd spake, "Abide, fair and hale lady, — how
farest thou?"

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THE STORY OF THE

She answered, "Well it fares ; my kin and my friends
live yet ; but who shall say what goodhap folk may bear
to their life's end?"

He sat him down by her, and there came in four dam-
sels with great golden beakers, and the best of wine
therein; and these stood before the twain.

Then said Brynhild, "This seat is for few, but and if
my father come."

He answered, "Yet is it granted to one that likes me
well."

Now that chamber was hung with the best and fairest
hangings, and the floor thereof was all covered with cloth.

Sigurd spake, "Now has it come to pass even as thou
didst promise."

"O be thou welcome here !" said she, and arose there-
with, and the four damsels with her, and bore the golden
beaker to him, and bade him drink ; he stretched out his
hand to the beaker, and took it, and her hand withal, and
drew her down beside him; and cast his arms around
about her neck and kissed her, and said —

"Thou art the fairest that was ever born!"

But Brynhild said, "Ah, wiser is it not to cast faith
and troth into a woman's power, for ever shall they break
that they have promised."

He said, "That day would dawn the best of days over
our heads whereon each of each should be made happy."

Brynhild answered, "It is not fated that we should
abide together ; I am a shield-may, and wear helm on head
even as the kings of war, and them full oft I help, neither
is the battle become loathsome to me."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Sigurd answered, "What fruit shall be of our life, if
we live not together; harder to bear this pain that lies
hereunder, than the stroke of sharp sword."

Brynhild answers, "I shall gaze on the hosts of the
war-kings, but thou shalt wed Gudrun, the daughter of
Gjuki."

Sigurd answered, "What king's daughter lives to be-
guile me! neither am I double-hearted herein; and now
I swear by the Gods that thee shall I have for mine own,
or no woman else."

And even suchlike wise spake she.

Sigurd thanked her for her speech, and gave her a gold
ring, and now they swore oath anew, and so he went his
ways to his men, and is with them awhile in great bliss.

25. — OF THE DREAM OF GUDRUN, GJUKl's DAUGHTER.

There was a king hight Gjuki, who ruled a realm
south of the Rhine; three sons he had, thus named:
Gunnar, Hogni, and Guttorm, and Gudrun was the name
of his daughter, the fairest of maidens ; and all these chil-
dren were far before all other king's children in all
prowess, and in goodliness and growth withal ; ever were
his sons at the wars and wrought many a deed of fame.
But Gjuki had wedded Grimhild the Wise- wife.

Now Budli was the name of a king mightier than Gjuki,
mighty though they both were ; and Atli was the brother
of Brynhild. Atli was a fierce man and a grim, great
and black to look on, yet noble of mien withal, and the
greatest of warriors. Grimhild was a fierce-hearted
woman.

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THE STORY OF THE

Now the days of the Gjukings bloomed fair, and chiefly
because of those children, so far before the sons of men.

On a day Gudrun says to her maids that she may have
no joy of heart ; then a certain woman asked her where-
fore her joy was departed.

She answered, "Grief came to me in my dreams, there-
fore is there sorrow in my heart, since thou must needs
ask thereof."

"Tell it me, then, thy dream," said the woman, "for
dreams oft forecast but the weather."

Gudrun answers, "Nay, nay, no weather is this; I
dreamed that I had a fair hawk on my wrist, feathered
with feathers of gold."

Says the woman, "Many have heard tell of thy beauty,
thy wisdom, thy courtesy; some king^s son abides thee,
then."

Gudrun answers, "I dreamed that naught was so dear
to me as this hawk, and all my wealth had I cast aside
rather than him."

The woman said, "Well, then, the man thou shalt have
will be of the goodliest, and well shalt thou love him."

Gudrun answered, "It grieves me that I know not wlio
he shall be; let us go seek Brynhild, for she belike will
wot thereof."

So they arrayed them in gold and many a fair thing,
and she went with her damsels till they came to the hall
of Brynhild, and that hall was dight with gold, and stood
on a high hill ; and whenas their goings were seen, it was
told Brynhild, that a company of women drove toward
the burg in gilded waggons.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"That shall be Gudrun, Gjuki's daughter," says she:
"I dreamed of her last night; let us go meet her I no
fairer woman may come to our house."

So they went abroad to meet them, and gave them
good greeting, and they went into the goodly hall to-
gether ; fairly painted it was within, and well adorned with
silver vessel ; cloths were spread under the feet of them,
and all folk served them, and in many wise they sported.

But Gudrun was somewhat silent.

Then said Brynhild, "111 to abash folk of their mirth ;
prithee do not so ; let us talk together for our disport of
mighty kings and their great deeds."

"Good talk," says Gudrun, "let us do even so; what
kings deemest thou to have been the first of all men?**

Brynhild says, "The sons of Haki, and Hagbard
withal; they brought to pass many a deed of fame in
their warfare."

Gudrun answers, "Great men, certainly, and of noble
fame! Yet Sigar tocJc their one sister, and burned the
other, house and all; and they may be called slow to
revenge the deed ; why didst thou not name my brethren,
who are held to be the first of men as at this time?"

Brynhild says, "Men of good hope are they surely,
though but little proven hitherto; but one I know far
before them, Sigurd, the son of Sigmund the king; a
youngling was he in the days when he slew the sons of
Hunding, and revenged his father, and Eylimi, his moth-
er's father."

Said Gudrun, "By what token tellest thou that?"

Brynhild answered, "His mother went amid the dead,

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and found Sigmund the king sore wounded, and would
bind up his hurts ; but he said he grew over old for war,
and bade her lay this comfort to her heart, that she
should bear the most famed of sons; and wise was the
wise man's word therein; for after the death of King
Sigmund, she went to King Alf, and there was Sigurd
nourished in great honour, and day by day he wrought
some deed of fame, and is the man most renowned of all
the wide world."

Gudrun says, "From love hast thou gained these tid-
ings of him ; but for this cause came I here, to tell thee
dreams of mine which have brought me great grief."

Says Brynhild, "Let not such matters sadden thee;
abide with thy friepds who wish thee blithesome, all of
them !"

"This I dreamed," said Gudrun, "that we went, a many
of us in company, from the bower, and we saw an ex-
ceeding great hart, that far excelled all other deer ever
seen, and the hair of him was golden ; and this deer we
were all fain to take, but I alone got him ; and he seemed
to me better than all things else ; but sithence thou, Bryn-
hild, didst shoot and slay my deer even at my very knees,
and such grief was that to me that scarce might I bear
it; and then afterwards thou gavest me a wolf-cub,
which besprinkled me with the blood of my brethren."

Brynhild answers, "I will read thy dream, even as
things shall come to pass hereafter; for Sigurd shall
come to thee, even he whom I have chosen for my well-
beloved ; and Grimhild shall give him mead mingled with
hurtful things, which shall cast us all into mighty strife.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Him shalt thou have, and him shalt thou quickly miss;
and Atli the king shalt thou wed ; and thy brethren shalt
thou lose, and slay Atli withal in the eh'^."

Gudrun answers, "Grief and woe'tQ.Hknow that such
things shall be!" ' ..;/

And therewith she and hers get them'.gdne home to
King Gjuki. •'..••' '-^

26. — SIGURD COMES TO THE GJUKINGS AND IS iw^IJDED

TO GUDRUN. ':'..-

Now Sigurd goes his way with all that great treasure,
and in friendly wise he departs from them; and onrV:
Grani he rides with all his war-gear and the burden ' i
withal; and thus he rides until he comes to the hall of
King Gjuki; there he rides into the burg, and that sees
one of the king's men, and he spake withal —

"Sure it may be deemed that here is come one of the
Gods, for his array is all done with gold, and his horse is
far mightier than other horses, and the manner of his
weapons is most exceeding goodly, and most of all the
man himself far excels all other men ever seen."

So the king goes out with his court and greets the man,
and asks —

"Who art thou who thus ridest into my burg, as none
has durst hitherto without leave of my sons ?"

He answered, "I am called Sigurd, son of King Sig-
mund."

Then said King Gjuki, "Be thou welcome here then,
and take at our hands whatso thou wiliest."

So he went into the king's hall, and all men seemed lit-

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THE STORY OF THE

tie beside him, and all men served him, and there he
abode in great joyance.

Now oft they' all ride abroad together, Sigurd and
Gunnar and Hogrii; and ever is Sigurd far the foremost
of them, migfhty. men of their hands though they were.

But Griii^Jd finds how heartily Sigurd loved Brjm-

hild, and* hgW oft he talks of her ; and she falls to think-
, • • .

mg hpyn ;Well it were, if he might abide there and wed the

dagg^ler of King Gjuki, for she saw that none might

. come*anigh to his goodliness, and what faith and good-

hfjp there was in him, and how that he had more wealth

/'.-.'•withal than folk might tell of any man ; and the king did

•M;/ ' to him even as unto his own sons, and they for their tarts

held him of more worth than themselves.

So on a night as they sat at the drink, the queen arose,
and went before Sigurd, and said —

"Great joy we have in thine abiding here, and all good
things will we put before thee to take of us ; lo now, take
this horn arid drink thereof."

So he took it and drank, and therewithal she said, "Thy
father shall be Gjuki the king, and I shall be thy mother,
and Gunnar and Hogni shall be thy brethren, and all this
shall be sworn with oaths each to each; and then surely
shall the like of you never be found on earth."

Sigurd took her speech well, for with the drinking of
that drink all memory of Brynhild departed from him.
So there he abode awhile.

And on a day went Grimhild to Gjuki the king, and
cast her arms about his neck, and spake —

"Behold, there has now come to us the greatest of great

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hearts that the world holds ; and needs must he be trusty
and of great avail; give him thy daughter then, with
plenteous wealth, and as much of rule as he will; per-
chance thereby he will be well content to abide here ever."

The king answered, "Seldom does it befall that kings
offer their daughters to any ; yet in higher wise will it be
done to offer her to this man, than to take lowly prayers
for her from others."

On a night Gudrun pours out the drink, and Sigurd
beholds her how fair she is and how full of all courtesy.

Five seasons Sigurd abode there, and ever they passed
their days together in good honour and friendship.

And so it befell that the kings held talk together, and
Gjuki said —

"Great good thou givest us, Sigurd, and with exceed-
ing strength thou strengthencst our realm."

Then Gunnar said, "All things that may be will we do
for thee, so thou abidest here long; both dominicm shalt
thou have, and our sister freely and unprayed for, whom
another man would not get for all his prayers."

Sigurd says, "Thanks have ye for this wherewith ye
honour me, and gladly will I take the same."

Therewith they swore brotherhood together, and to be
even as if they were children of one father and one
mother ; and a noble feast was holden, and endured many
days, and Sigurd drank at the wedding of him and Gud-
run ; and there might men behold all manner of game and
glee, and each day the feast better and better.

Now fare these folk wide over the world, and do many
great deeds, and slay many kings' sons, and no man has

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THE STORY OF THE

ever done such works of prowess as did they ; then hcwne
they ccmie again with much wealth won in war.

Sigurd gave of the serpent's heart to Gudrun, and she
ate thereof, and became greater-hearted, and wiser than
ere before; and the son of these twain was called Sig-
mund.

Now on a time went Grimhild to Gunnar her son, and
spake —

"Fair blooms the life and fortune of thee, but for one
thing only, and namely whereas thou art unwedded; go
woo Brynhild; good rede is this, and Sigurd will ride
with thee."

Gunnar answered, "Fair is she certes, and I am fain
enow to win her;" and therewith he tells his father, and
his brethren, and Sigurd, and they all prick him on to that
wooing.

27. — THE WOOING OF BRYNHII.D.

Now they array them joyously for their journey, and
ride over hill and dale to the house of King Budli, and
woo his daughter of him ; in a good wise he took their
speech, if so be that she herself would not deny them; but
he said withal that so high-minded was she, that that man
only might wed her whom she would.

Then they ride to Hlymdale; and there Heimir gave
them good welcome ; so Gunnar tells his errand ; Heimir
says, that she must needs wed but him whom she herself
chose freely ; and tells them how her abode was but a lit-
tle way thence, and that he deemed that him only would
she have who should ride through the flaming fire that
was drawn round about her hall ; so they depart and come

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

to the hall and the fire, and see there a castle with a
golden roof-ridge, and all round about a fire roaring up.

Now Gunnar rode on Goti, but Hogni on Holkvi, and
Gunnar smote his horse to face the fire, but he shrank
aback.

Then said Sigurd, "Why givest thou back, Gunnar?"

He answered, "The horse will not tread this fire ; but
lend me thy horse Grani."

"Yea, with all my good will," says Sigurd.

Then Gunnar rides him at the fire, and yet nowise will
Grani stir, nor may Gunnar any the more ride through
that fire. So now they change semblance, Gunnar and
Sigurd, even as Grimhild had taught them; then Sigurd
in the likeness of Gunnar mounts and rides. Gram in his
hand, and golden spurs on his heels ; then leapt Grani into
the fire when he felt the spurs ; and a mighty roar arose
as the fire burned ever madder, and the earth trembled,
and the flames went up even unto the heavens, nor had
any dared to ride as he rode, even as it were through the
deep mirk.

But now the fire sank withal, and he leapt from his
horse and went into the hall.

Now when Sigurd had passed through the fire, he came
into a certain fair dwelling, and therein sat Brynhild.

She asked, "What man is it?"

Then he named himself Gunnar, son of Gjuki, and said
— "Thou art awarded to me as my wife, by the good- will
and word of thy father and thy foster-father, and I have
ridden through the flames of thy fire, according to thy
word that thou hast set forth."

8 105

THE STORY OF THE

"I wot not clearly," said she, "how I shall answer
thee."

Now Sigurd stood upright on the hall floor, and leaned
on the hilt of his sword, and he spake to Brynhild —

"In reward thereof^ shall I pay thee a great dower in
gold and goodly things?"

She answered in heavy mood from her seat, whereas
she sat like unto swan on billow, having a sword in her
hand, and a helm on her head, and being clad in a bymy.
"O Gunnar," she says, "speak not to me of such things;
unless thou be the first and best of all men ; for then shalt
thou slay those my wooers, if thou hast heart thereto; I
have been in battles with the king of the Greeks, and our
weapons were stained with red blood, and for such things
still I yearn."

He answered, "Yea, certes many great deeds hast thou
done ; but yet call thou to mind thine oath, concerning the
riding through of this fire, wherein thou didst swear
that thou wouldst go with the man who should do this
deed."

So she found that he spake but the sooth, and she paid
heed to his words, and arose, and greeted him meetly, and
he abode there three nights, and they lay in one bed
together ; but he took the sword Gram and laid it betwixt
them ; then she asked him why he laid it there ; and he
answered, that in that wise must he needs wed his wife
or else get his bane.

Then she took from off her the ring Andvari's-loom,
which he had given her aforetime, and gave it to him, but
he gave her another ring out of Fafnir's hoard.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Thereafter he rode away through the same fire unto
his fellows, and he and Gunnar changed semblances
again, and rode unto Hlymdale, and told how it had gone
with them.

That same day went Brynhild home to her foster-
father, and tells him as one whom she trusted, how that
there had come a king to her; "And he rode through my
flaming fire, and said he was come to woo me, and named
himself Gunnar ; but I said that such a deed might Sigurd
alone have done, with whom I plighted troth on the
mountain; and he is my first troth-plight, and my well-
beloved."

Heimir said that things must needs abide even as
they had now come to pass.

Brynhild said, "Aslaug the daughter of me and Sigurd
shall be nourished here with thee."

Now the kings fare hcmie, but Brynhild goes to her
father ; Grimhild welcomes the kings meetly, and thanks
Sigurd for his fellowship; and withal is a great feast
made, and many were the guests thereat ; and thither came
Budli the King with his daughter Brynhild, and his son
Atli, and for many days did the feast endure ; and at that
feast was Gunnar wedded to Brynhild; but when it was
brought to an end, once more has Sigurd memory of all
the oaths that he sware unto Brynhild, yet withal he let
all things abide in rest and peace.

Brynhild and Gunnar sat together in great game and
glee, and drank goodly wine.

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THE STORY OF THE

28. — HOW THE QUEENS HEI.D ANGRY CONVERSE TO-
GETHER AT THE BATHING.

On a day as the Queens went to the river to bathe
them, Brynhild waded the farthest out into the river ; then
asked Gudrun what that deed might signify.

Brynhild said, "Yea, and why then should I be equal to
thee in this matter more than in others? I am minded to
think that my father is mightier than thine, and my true-
love has wrought many wondrous works of fame, and
hath ridden the flaming fire withal, while thy husband
was but the thrall of King Hjalprek."

Gudrun answered full of wrath, "Thou wouldst be
wise if thou shouldst hold thy peace rather than revile my
husband : lo now, the talk of all men it is, that none has
ever abode in this world like unto him in all matters so-
ever; and little it beseems thee of all folk to mock him
who was thy first beloved : and Fafnir he slew, yea, and
he rode thy flaming fire, whereas thou didst deem that he
was Gunnar the King, and by thy side he lay, and took
from thine hand the ring Andvari's-loom — ^here mayst
thou well behold it !"

Then Brynhild saw the ring and knew it, and waxed as
wan as a dead woman, and went home and spake no word
the evening long. So when Sigurd came to bed to Gud-
run she asked him why Brynhild's joy was so departed.

He answered, "I know not, but sore I misdoubt me that
soon we shall know thereof overwell."

Gudrun said, "Why may she not love her life, having
wealth and bliss, and the praise of all men, and the man
withal that she would have?"

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Ah, yea!'* said Sigurd, "and where in all the world
was she then, when she said that she deemed she had the
noblest of all men, and the dearest to her heart of all ?"

Gudrun answers, "Tomorn will I ask her concerning
this, who is the liefest to her of all men for a husband."

Singurd said, "Needs must I forbid thee this, and full
surely wilt thou rue the deed if thou doest it."

Now the next morning they sat in the bower, and
Brynhild was silent ; then spake Gudrun —

"Be merry, Brynhild ! Grievest thou because of that
speech of ours together, or what other thing slayeth thy
bliss?"

Brynhild answers, "With naught but evil intent thou
sayest this, for a cruel heart thou hast."

"Say not so," said Gudrun ; "but rather tell me all the
tale."

Brynhild answers, "Ask such things only as are good
for thee to know — matters meet for mighty dames. Good
to love good things when all goes according to thy heart's
desire !"

Gudrun says, "Early days for me to glory in that ; but
this word of thine looketh toward some foreseeing. What
ill dost thou thrust at us ? I did naught to grieve thee."

Brynhild answers, "For this shalt thou pay, in that
thou has got Sigurd to thee, — nowise can I see thee living
in the bliss thereof, whereas thou hast him, and the wealth
and the might of him."

But Gudrun answered, "Naught knew I of your words
and vows together ; and well might my father look to the
mating of me without dealing with thee first."

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"No secret speech had we," quoth Brynhild, "though
we swore oath together; and full well didst thou know
that thou wentest about to beguile me ; verily thou shalt
have thy reward !"

Says Gudrun, "Thou are mated better than thou art
worthy of ; but thy pride and rage shall be hard to slake
belike, and therefore shall many a man pay."

"Ah, I should be well content," said Brynhild, "if thou
hadst not the nobler man !"

Gudrun answers, "So noble a husband hast thou, that
who knows of a greater king or a lord of more wealth and
might?"

Says Brynhild, "Sigurd slew Fafnir, and that only deed
is of more worth than all the might of King Gunnar."

Gudrun answers, "Grani would not abide the fire
under Gunnar the King, but Sigurd durst the deed, and
thy heart may well abide without mocking him."

Brynhild answers, "Nowise will I hide from thee that
I deem no good of Grimhild."

Says Gudrun, "Nay, lay no ill words on her, for in all
things she is to thee as to her own daughter."

"Ah," says Brynhild, "she is the beginning of all this
bale that biteth so; an evil drink she bare to Sigurd, so
that he had no more memory of my very name."

"All wrong thou talkest ; a lie without measure is this,"
quoth Gudrun.

Brynhild answered, "Have thou joy of Sigurd accord-
ing to the measure of the wiles wherewith ye have be-
guiled me! unworthily have ye conspired against me; may
all things go with you as my heart hopes!"

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Gudrun says, "More joy shall I have of him than thy
wish would give unto me : but to no man's mind it came,
that he had aforetime his pleasure of me; nay not once.'*

"Evil speech thou speakest," says Brynhild ; "when thy
wrath runs off thou wilt rue it ; but come now, let us no
more cast angry words one at the other 1"

Says Gudrun, "Thou wert the first to cast such words
at me, and now thou makest as if thou wouldst amend it,
but a cruel and hard heart abides behind."

"Let us lay aside vain babble, " says Brynhild. "Long
did I hold my peace concerning my sorrow of heart, and,
lo now, thy brother alone do I love; let us fall to other
talk."

Gudrun said, "Far beyond all this doth thine heart
look."

And so ugly ill befell from that going to the river, and
that knowing of the ring, wherefrom did all their talk
arise.

29.— OF brynhild's great grief and mourning.

After this talk Brynhild lay a-bed, and tidings were
brought to King Gunnar that Brynhild was sick ; he goes
to see her thereon, and asks what ails her ; but she ans-
wered him naught, but lay there as one dead : and when
he was hard on her for an answer, she said —

"What didst thou with that ring that I gave thee, even
the one which King Budli g^ave me at our last parting,
when thou and King Gjuki came to him and threatened
fire and the sword, unless ye had me to wife? Yea, at
that time he led me apart, and asked me which I had

III

THE STORY OF THE

chosen of those who were come ; but I prayed him that I
might abide to ward the land and be chief over the third
part of his men ; then were there two choices for me to
deal betwixt, either that I should be wedded to him whom
he would, or lose all my weal and friendship at his hands ;
and he said withal that his friendship would be better to
me than his wrath : then I bethought me whether I should
yield to his will, or slay many a man ; and therewithal I
deemed that it would avail little to strive with him, and so
it fell out, that I promised to wed whosoever should ride
the horse Grani with Fafnir's Hoard, and ride through
my flaming fire, and slay those men whom I called on him
to slay, and now so it was, that none durst ride save
Sigurd only, because he lacked no heart thereto ; yea, and
the Worm he slew, and Regin, and five kings beside; but
thou, Gunnar, durst do naught; as pale as a dead man
didst thou wax, and no king thou art, and no champion ;
so whereas I made a vow unto my father, that him alone
would I love who was the noblest man alive, and that this
is none save Sigurd, lo, now have I broken my oath and
brought It to naught, since he is none of mine, and for this
cause shall I compass thy death; and a great reward of
evil things have I wherewith to reward Grimhild ; — never,
I wot, has woman lived eviler or of lesser heart than she/*
Gunnar answered in such wise that few might hear him,
"Many a vile word hast thou spoken, and an evil-hearted
woman art thou, whereas thou revilest a woman far bet-
ter than thou ; never would she curse her life as thou dost ;
nay, nor has she tormented dead folk, or murdered any ;
but lives her life well praised of all."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Brynhild answered, "Never have I dwelt with evil
things privily, or done loathsome deeds; — ^yet most fain
I am to slay thee."

And therewith would she slay King Gunnar, but Hogni
laid her in fetters ; but then Gunnar spake withal —

"Nay, I will not that she abide in fetters."

Then said she, "Heed it not ! for never again seest thou
me glad in thine hall, never drinking, never at the chess-
play, never speaking the words of kindness, never over-
laying the fair cloths with gold, never giving thee good
counsel; — ah, my sorrow of heart that I might not get
Sigurd to me !"

Then she sat up and smote her needlework, and rent
it asunder, and bade set open her bower doors, that far
away might the waitings of her sorrow be heard; then
great mourning and lamentation there was, so that folk
heard it far and wide through that abode.

Now Gudrun asked her bower-maidens why they sat
so joyless and downcast. "What has come to you, that
ye fare ye as witless women, or what unheard-of wonders
have befallen you?"

Then answered a waiting lady, hight Swaflod, "An
untimely, an evil day it is, and our hall is filled with
lamentation."

Then spake Gudrun to one of her handmaids, "Arise,
for we have slept long; go, wake Brynhild, and let us fall
to our needle\\'ork and be merry."

"Nay, nay," she says, "nowise may I wake her, or talk
with her ; for many days has she drunk neither mead nor
wine ; surely the wrath of the Gods has fallen upon her."

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THE STORY OF THE

Then spake Gudrun to Gunnar, "Go and see her," she
says, "and bid her know that I am grieved with her grief."

"Nay," says Gunnar, "I am forbid to go see her or to
share her weal."

Nevertheless he went unto her, and strives in many wise
to have speech of her, but gets no answer whatsoever:
therefore he gets him gone and finds Hogni, and bids him
go see her : he said he was loth thereto, but went, and gat
no more of her.

Then they go and find Sigurd, and pray him to visit
her; he answered naught thereto, and so matters abode
for that night.

But the next day, when he came home from hunting,
Sigurd went to Gudrun, and spake —

"In such wise do matters show to me, as though great
and evil things will betide from this trouble and upheav-
ing, and that Brynhild will surely die."

Gudrun answers, "O my lord, by great wonders is she
encompassed, seven days and seven nights has she slept,
and none has dared wake her."

"Nay, she sleeps not," said Sigurd, "her heart is deal-
ing rather with dreadful intent against me."

Then said Gudrun, weeping, "Woe worth the while for
thy death! go and see her; and wot if her fury may not
be abated; give her gold, and smother up her grief and
anger therewith !"

Then Sigurd went out, and found the door of Bryn-
hild's chamber open ; he deemed she slept, and drew the
the clothes from off her, and said —

"Awake, Brynhild! the sun shineth now over all the

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

house, and thou hast slept enough; cast oflf grief from
thee, and take up gladness !"

She said, "And how then hast thou dared to come to
me ? in this treason none was worse to me than thou ?"

Said Sigurd, "Why wilt thou not speak to folk? for
what cause sorrowest thou?"

Brynhild answers, "Ah, to thee will I tell of my
wrath !"

Sigurd said, "As one under a spell art thou, if thou
deemest that there is aught cruel in my heart against
thee; but thou hast him for husband whom thou didst
choose."

"Ah, nay," she said, "never did Gunnar ride through
the fire to me, nor did he give me to dower the host of
the slain : I wondered at the man who came into my hall ;
for I deemed indeed that I knew thine eyes ; but I might
not see clearly, or divide the good from the evil, because
of the veil that lay heavy on my fortune."

Says Sigurd, "No nobler men are there than the sons
of Gjuki ; they slew the king of the Danes, and that great
chief, the brother of King Budli."

Brynhild answered, "Surely for many an ill-deed must
I reward them ; mind me not of my griefs against them !
But thou, Sigurd, slewest the Worm, and rodest the fire
through ; yea, and for my sake, and not one of the sons of
King Gjuki."

Sigurd answers, "I am not thy husband, and thou art
not my wife; yet did a farfamed king pay dower to
thee."

Says Brynhild, "Never looked I at Gunnar in such a

"5

THE STORY OF THE

wise that my heart smiled on him ; and hard and fell am I
to him, though I hide it from others."

"A marvellous thing," says Sigurd, "not to love such a
king; what angers thee most? for surely his love should
be better to thee than gold."

"This is the sorest sorrow to me," she said, "that the
bitter sword is not reddened in thy blood."

"Have no fear thereof!" says he, "no long while to
wait or the bitter sword stand deep in my heart ; and no
worse needest thou to pray for thyself, for thou wilt not
live when I am dead ; the days of our two lives shall be
few enough from henceforth."

Brynhild answers, "Enough and to spare of bale is in
thy speech, since thou bewrayedst me, and didst twin
(separate) me and all bliss; — naught do I heed my life
or death."

Sigurd answers, "Ah, live, and love King Gunnar and
me withal ! and all my wealth will I give thee if thou die
not."

Brynhild answers, "Thou knowest me not, nor the heart
that is in me; for thou are the first and best of all men,
and I am become the most loathsome of all women to
thee."

"This is truer," says Sigurd, "that I loved thee better
than myself, though I fell into the wiles from whence our
lives may not escape; for whenso my own heart and
mind availed me, then I sorrowed sore that thou wert
not my wife; but as I might I put my trouble from me,
for in a king's dwelh'ng was I ; and withal and in spite of
all I was well content that we were all together. Well

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

may it be, that that shall come to pass which is foretold ;
neither shall I fear the fulfilment thereof."

Brynhild answered, and said, "Too late thou tellest me
that my grief grieved thee: little pity shall I find now."

Sigurd said, "This my heart would, that thou and I
should go into one bed together ; even so wouldst thou be
my wife."

Said Brynhild, "Such words may nowise be spoken,
nor will I have two kings in one hall ; I will lay my life
down rather than beguile Gunnar the King."

And therewith she call to mind how they met, they two,
on the mountain, and swore oath each to each.

"But now is all changed, and I will not live."

"I might not call to mind thy name," said Sigurd, "or
know thee again, before the time of thy wedding; the
greatest of all griefs is that."

Then said Brynhild, "I swore an oath to wed the man
who should ride my flaming fire, and that oath will I
hold to, or die."

"Rather than thou die, I will wed thee, and put away
Gudrun," said Sigurd.

But therewithal so swelled the heart betwixt the sides
of him, that the rings of his byrny burst asunder.

"I will not have thee," says Brynhild, "nay, nor any
other!"

Then Sigurd got him gone.

So saith the song of Sigurd —

"Out then went Sigurd,
The great kings* well-loved,
From the speech and the sorrow.
Sore drooping, so grieving,

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THE STORY OF THE

That the shirt round about him
Of iron rings woven,
From the sides brake asunder
Of the brave in the battle."

So when Sigurd came into the hall, Gunnar asked if he
had come to a knowledge of what great grief lay heavy
on her, or if she had power of speech : and Sigurd said
that she lacked it not. So now Gunnar goes to her again,
and asked her, what wrought her woe, or if there were
anything that might amend it.

"I will not live," says Brynhild, "for Sigurd has be-
wrayed me; yea, and thee no less, whereas thou didst
suffer him to come into my bed : lo thou, two men in one
dwelling I will not have ; and this shall be Sigurd's death,
or thy death, or my death ; — for now has he told Gudrun
all, and she is mocking me even now !"

30. — OF THE SLAYING OF SIGURD FAFNIrVbANE.

Thereafter Brynhild went out, and sat under her
bower-wall, and had many words of wailing to say, and
still she cried that all things were loathsome to her, both
land and lordship alike, so she might not have Sigurd.

But therewith came Gunnar to her yet again, and Bryn-
hild spake, "Thou shalt lose both realm and wealth, and
thy life and me, for I shall fare home to my kin, and
abide there in sorrow, unless thou slayest Sigurd and his
son ; never nourish thou a wolfcub."

Gunnar grew sick at heart thereat, and might nowise
see what fearful thing lay beneath it all ; he was bound to
Sigurd by oath, and this way and that way swung the

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

heart within him ; but at the last he bethought him of the
measureless shame if his wife went from him, and he
said within himself, "Brynhild is better to me than all
things else, and the fairest woman of all women, and I
will lay down my life rather than lose the love of her."
And herewith he called to him his brother and spake, —

"Trouble is heavy on me," and he tells him that he
must needs slay Sigurd, for that he has failed him where
in he trusted him; "so let us be lords of the gold and
the realm withal."

Hogni answers, "111 it behoves us to break our oaths
with wrack and wrong, and withal great aid we have in
him ; no kings shall be as great as we, if so be the King
of the Hun-folk may live; such another brother-in-law
never may we get again ; bethink thee how good it is to
have such a brother-in-law, and such sons to our sister !
But well I see how things stand, for this has Brynhild
stirred thee up to, and surely shall her counsel drag us
into huge shame and scathe."

Gunnar says, "Yet shall it be brought about : and, lo, a
rede thereto ; — ^let us egg on our brother Guttorm to the
deed; he is young, and of little knowledge, and is clean
out of all the oaths moreover."

"Ah, set about in ill wise," says Hogni, "and though
indeed it may well be compassed, a due reward shall we
gain for the bewrayal of such a man as is Sigurd."

Gunnar says, "Sigurd shall die, or I shall die."'

And therewith he bids Brynhild arise and be glad at
heart: so she arose, and still ever she said that Gunnar
should come no more into her bed till the deed was done.

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THE STORY OF THE

So the bwothers fall to talk, and Gunnar says that it is
a deed well worthy of death, that taking of Brynhild's
maidenhood ; "So come now, let us prick on Guttorm to
do the deed."

Therewith they call him to them, and offer him gold
and great dominion, as they well have might to do. Yea,
and they took a certain worm and somewhat of wolfs
flesh and let seethe them together, and gave him to eat of
the same, even as the singer sings

Fish of the wild-wood.
Worm smooth crawling,
With wolf-meat mingled,
They minced for Guttorm;
Then in the beaker,
In the wine his mouth knew.
They set it, still doing
More deeds of wizards.

Wherefore with the eating of this meat he grew so wild
and eager, and with all things about him, and with the
heavy words of Grimhild, that he gave his word to do
the deed; and mighty honour they promised him in re-
ward thereof.

But of these evil wiles naught at all knew Sigurd, for
he might not deal with his shapen fate, nor the measure
of his life-days, neither deemed he that he was worthy
of such things at their hands.

So Guttorm went in to Sigurd the next morning as he
lay upon his bed, yet durst he not do aught against him,
but shrank back out again; yea, and even so he fared a
second time, for so bright and eager were the eyes of
Sigurd that few durst look upon him. But the third

I20

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

time he went in, and there lay Sigurd asleep; then Gut-
torm drew his sword and thrust Sigurd through in such
wise that the sword point smote into the bed beneath
him; then Sigurd awoke with that wound, and Guttorm
gat him unto the door; but therewith Sigurd caught up
the sword Gram, and cast it after him, and it smote
him on the back, and struck him asunder in the midst, so
that the feet of him fell one way, and the head and hands
back into the chamber.

Now Gudrun lay asleep on Sigurd's bosom, but she
woke up unto woe that may not be told of, all swimming
in the blood of him, and in such wise did she bewail her
with weeping and words of sorrow, that Sigurd rose up
on the bolster, and spake.

"Weep not," said he, "for thy brothers live for thy
delight ; but a young son have I, too young to be ware of
his foes; and an ill turn have these played against their
own fortune; for never will they get a mightier brother-
in-law to ride abroad with them ; nay, nor a better son to
their sister, than this one, if he may grow to man's estate.
Lo, now is that come to pass which was foretold me Icxig
ago, but from mine eyes has it been hidden, for none may
fight against his fate and prevail. Behold this has Bryn-
hild brought to pass, even she who loves me before all
men ; but this may I swear, that never have I wrought ill
to Gunnar, but rather have ever held fast to my oath
with him, nor was I ever too much a friend to his wife.
And now if I had been forewarned, and had been afoot
with my weapons, then should many a man have lost his
life or ever I had fallen, and all those brethren should

121

THE STORY OF THE

have been slain, and a harder work would the slaying of
me have been than the sla)ring of the mightiest bull or the
mightiest boar of the wild-wood."

And even therewithal life left the King; but Gudrun
moaned and drew a weary breath, and Brynhild heard it,
and laughed when she heard her moaning.

Then said Gunnar, "Thou laughest not because thy
heart-roots are gladdened, or else why doth thy visage
wax so wan? Sure an evil creature thou art; most like
thou art nigh to thy death ! Lo now, how meet would it
be for thee to behold thy brother Atli slain before thine
eyes, and that thou shouldst stand over him dead ; whereas
we must needs now stand over our brother-in-law in such
a case — our brother-in-law and our brother's bane."

She answered, "None need mock at the measure of
slaughter being unfulfilled; yet heedeth not Atli your
wrath or your threats ; yea, he shall live longer than ye,
and be a mightier man."

Hogni spake and said, "Now hath come to pass the
soothsaying of Brynhild; an ill work not to be atoned
for."

And Gudrun said, "My kinsmen have slain my hus-
band ; but ye, when ye next ride to the war and are come
into the battle, then shall ye look about and see that
Sigurd is neither on the right hand nor the left, and ye
shall know that he was your good-hap and your strength ;
and if he had lived and had sons, then should ye have
been strengthened by his offspring and his kin."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

31. — OF THE LAMENTATION OF GUDRUN OVER SIGURD
DEAD, AS IT IS TOLD IN THE ANCIENT SONGS.^

Gudrun of old days
Drew near to dying
As she sat in sorrow
Over Sigurd;
Yet she sighed not
Nor smote hand on hand,
Nor walled she aught
As other women.

Then went earls to her.
Full of all wisdom.
Fain help to deal
To her dreadful heart:
Hushed was Gudrun
Of wail, or greeting.
But with a heavy woe
Was her heart a-breaking.

Bright and fair

Sat the great earls' brides.

Gold arrayed

Before Gudrun;

Each told the tale

Of her great trouble.

The bitterest bale

She erst abode.

Then spake Giaflaug,
Gjuki's sister:
"Lo upon earth
I live most loveless
Who of five mates
Must see the ending.
Of daughters twain
And three sisters.

^Thit chapter !• the Bddaic poem, called the flrtt Imj of Qudmii,
Inaerted here bjr tbe translatort.

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THE STORY OF THE

Of brethren eight,

And abide behind lonely."

Naught gat Gudrun

Of wail and greeting.

So heavy was she

For her dead husband,

So dreadful-hearted

For the King laid dead there.

Then spake Herborg
Queen of Hunland —
"Crueller tale
Have I to tell of.
Of my seven sons
Down in the Southlands,
And the eighth man, my mate.
Felled in the death-mead.

"Father and mother.
And four brothers.
On the wide sea.
The winds and death played with;
The billows beat
On the bulwark boards.

ti

Alone must I sing o'er them.
Alone must I array them,
Alone must my hands deal with
Their departing;
And all this was
In one season's wearing,
And none was left
For love or solace.

"Then was I bound
A prey of the battle,
When that same season
Wore to its ending;

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

As a tiring may
Must I bind the shoon
Of the duke's high dame,
Every day at dawning.

From her jealous hate

Gat I heavy mocking,

Cruel lashes

She laid upon me.

Never met I

Better master

Or mistress worser

In all the wide world."

Naught gat Gudrun

Of wail of greeting,

So heavy was she

For her dead husband.

So dreadful-hearted

For the King laid dead there.

Then spake Gullrond,
Gjuki's daughter —
"O foster-mother.
Wise as thou mayst be.
Naught canst thou better
The young wife's bale."
And she bade uncover
The dead King's corpse.

She swept the sheet
Away from Sigurd,
And turned his cheek.
Towards his wife's knees —
"Look on thy loved one
Lay lips to his lips,
E'en as thou wert clinging
To thy king alive yet!'

l»

THE STORY OF THE

Once looked Gudran —
One look only,
And saw her lord's locks
Lying all bloody,
The great man's eyes
Glazed and deadly.
And his heart's bulwark
Broken by sword-edge.

Back then sank Gudrun,
Back on the bolster,
Loosed was her head array.
Red did her cheeks fi^ow,
And the rain-drops ran
Down over her knees.

Then wept Gudrun,

Gjuki's daughter.

So that the tears flowed

Through the pillow;

As the geese withal

That were in the homefield,

The fair fowls the maid owned,

Fell a-screaming.

Then spake Gullrond,

Gjuki's daughter —

"Surely knew I

No love like your love

Among all men,

On the mould abiding;

Naught wouldst thou joy in

Without or within doors,

O my sister,

Save beside Sigurd."

Then spake Gudrun,
Gjuki's daughter —

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"Such was my Sigurd
Among the sons of Gjuki,
As is the king leek
O'er the low grass waxing.
Or a bright stone
Strung on band,
Or a pearl of price
On a prince's brow.

"Once was I counted
By the king's warriors
Higher than any
Of Herjan's maids;
Now am I as little
As the leaf may be,
Amid wind-swept wood
Now when dead he lieth.

"I miss from my seat,
I miss from my bed,
My darling of sweet speech.
Wrought the sons of Gjuki,
Wrought the sons of Gjuki,
This sore sorrow.
Yea, for their sister,
Most sore sorrow.

"So may your lands
Lie waste on all sides.
As ye have broken
Your bounden oaths!
Ne'er shalt thou, Gunnar,
The gold have joy of,
The dear-bought rings
Shall drag thee to death.
Whereon thou swarest
Oath unto Sigurd.

"Ah, in the days by-gone
Great mirth in the homefield

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THE STORY OF THE

When my Sigurd
Set saddle on Grani,
And they went their ways
For the wooing of Brynhild!
An 111 day, an ill woman,
And most ill hap!"

Then spake Brynhild,
Budli's daughter —
''May the woman lack
Both love and children,
Who gained greeting
For thee, O Gudrun!
Who gave thee this morning
Many words!"

Then spake Gullrond,

Gjuki's daughter —

"Hold peace of such words

Thou hated of all folk!

The bane of brave men

Hast thou been ever.

All waves of ill

Wash over thy mind,

To seven great kings

Hast thou been a sore sorrow,

And the death of good will

To wives and women."

Then spake Brjmhild,
Budli's daughter —
"None but Atli
Brought bale upon us.
My very brother
Born of Budll.

"When we saw in the hall
Of the Hunnish people
The gold a-gleaming
On the kingly Gjukings;

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

I have paid for that faring
Oft and full.
And for the sight
That then I saw."

By a pillar she stood

And strained its wood to her;

From the eyes of Brynhild,

Budll's daughter.

Flashed out fire.

And she snorted forth venom,

As the sore wounds she gazed on

Of the dead-slain Sigurd.

32. — 0^ THE ENDING OP BRYNHILD.

And now none might know for what cause Brynhild
must bewail with weeping for what she had prayed for
with laughter: but she spake —

"Such a dream I had, Gunnar, as that my bed was
acold, and that thou didst ride into the hands of thy foes :
lo now, ill shall it go with thee and all thy kin, O ye
breakers of oaths ; for on the day thou slayedst him, dimly
didst thou remember how thou didst blend thy blood with
the blood of Sigurd, and with an ill reward hast thou re-
warded him for all he did well to thee ; whereas he gave
unto thee to be the mightiest of men; and well was it
proven how fast he held to his oath sworn, when he came
to me and laid betwixt us the sharp-edged sword that in
venom had been made hard. All too soon did ye fall to
working wrong against him and against me, whenas I
abode at home with my father, and had all that I would,
and had no will that any one of you should be any of
mine, as ye rode into our garth, ye three kings together;

12$

THE STORY OF THE

but then AtH led me apart privily, and asked me if I
would not have him who rode Grani ; — ^yea, a man nowise
like unto you ; but in those days I plighted myself to the
son of King Sigmund and no other; and lo, now, no bet-
ter shall ye fare for the death of me."

Then rose up Gunnar, and laid his arms about her
neck, and besought her to live and have wealth from him ;
and all others in likewise letted her from dying; but she
thrust them all from her, and said that it was not the part
of any to let her in that which was her will.

Then Gunnar called to Hogni, and prayed him for
counsel, and bade him go to her, and see if he might per-
chance soften her dreadful heart, sajring withal, that now
they had need enough on their hands in the slaking of her
grief, till time might get over.

But Hogni answered, "Nay, let no man hinder her
from dying; for no gain will she be to us, nor has she
been gainsome since she came hither !"

Now she bade bring forth much gold, and bade all
those come thither who would have wealth: then she
caught up a sword, and thrust it under her armpit, and
sank aside upon the pillows, and said, "Come, take gold
whoso will !"

But all held their peace, and she said, "Take the gold,
and be glad thereof!"

And therewith she spake unto Gunnar, "Now for a lit-
tle while will I tell of that which shall come to pass here-
after ; for speedily shall ye be at one again with Gudrun
by the rede of Grimhild the Wise-wife ; and the daughter
of Gudrun and Sigurd shall be called Swanhild, the fair-

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

est of all women born. Gudrun shall be given to Atli,
yet not with her good will. Thou shalt be fain to get
Oddrun, but that shall Atli forbid thee; but privily shall
ye meet, and much shall she love thee. Atli shall bewray
thee, and cast thee into a worm-close, and thereafter shall
Atli and his sons be slain, and Gudrun shall be their
slayer; and afterwards shall the g^eat waves bear her to
the burg of King Jonakr, to whom she shall bear sons of
great fame: Swanhild shall be sent from the land and
given to King Jormunrek ; and her shall bite the rede of
Bikki, and therewithal is the kin of you clean gone; and
more sorrows therewith for Gudrun.

"And now I pray thee, Gunnar, one last boon. — ^Let
make a great bale on the plain meads for all of us ; for me,
and for Sigurd, and for those who were slain with him,
and let that be covered over with cloth dyed red by the
folk of the Gauls,* and bum me thereon on one side of the
King of the Huns, and on the other those men of mine,
two at the head and two at the feet, and two hawks withal ;
and even so is all shared equally; and lay there betwixt
us a drawn sword, as in the other days when we twain
stepped into one bed together ; and then may we have the
name of man and wife, nor shall the door swing to at the
heel of him as I go behind him. Nor shall that be a nig-
gard company if there follow him those five bond-women
and eight bondmen, whom my father gave me, and those
bum there withal who were slain with Sigurd.

"Now more yet would I say, but for my wounds, but

^The original has raudu manna hlodi, red-dyed In the blood of men;
the Sagaman'a original error in dealing with the word Valaript in th«
corresponding passage of the short lay of Sigurd. — Tr,

131

THE STORY OF THE

my life-breath flits; the wounds open,-^yet have I said
sooth."

Now is the dead corpse of Sigurd arrayed in olden
wise, and a mighty pyre is raised, and when it was some-
what kindled, there was laid thereon the dead corpse of
Sigurd Fafnir's-bane, and his son of three winters whom
Brynhild had let slay, and Guttorm withal ; and when the
bale was all ablaze, thereunto was Brynhild borne out,
when she had spoken with her bower-maidens, and bid
them take the gold that she would give; and then died
Brynhild, and was burned there by the side of Sigurd,
and thus their life-days ended.

33. — GUDRUN WEDDED TO ATU.

Now so it is, that whoso heareth these tidings sayeth,
that no such an one as was Sigurd was left behind him in
the world, nor ever was such a man brought forth be-
cause of all the worth of him, nor may his name ever
minish by eld in the Dutch Tongue nor in all the North-
ern Lands, while the world standcth fast.

The story tells that, on a day, as Gudrun sat in her
bower, she fell to saying, "Better was life in those days
when I had Sigurd ; he who was far above other men as
gold is above iron, or the leek over other grass of the
field, or the hart over other wild things ; until my brethren
begp'udged me such a man, the first and best of all men ;
and so they might not sleep or they had slain him. Huge
clamour made Grani when he saw his master and lord
sore wounded, and then I spoke to him even as with a
man, but he fell drooping down to the earth, for he knew
that Sigurd was slam.'* j^^

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUXGS

Thereafter Gudrun gat her gone into the wild woods,
and heard on all ways round about her the howling of
wolves, and deemed death a merrier thing than life.
Then she went till she came to the hall of King Alf, and
sat there in Denmark with Thora, the daughter of Hakon,
for seven seasons, and abode with good welcome. And
she set forth her needlework before her, and did thereinto
many deeds and great, and fair plays after the fashion of
those days, swords and byrnies, and all the gear of kings,
and the ship of King Sigmund sailing along the land ; yea,
and they wrought there, how they fought, Sigar and
Siggeir, south in Fion. Such was their disport ; and now
Gudrun was somewhat solaced of her g^ief.

So Grimhild comes to hear where Gudrun has taken up
her abode, and she calls her sons to talk with her, and
asks whether they will make atonement to Gudrun for her
son and her husband, and said that it was but meet and
right to do so.

Then Gunnar spake, and said that he would atone for
her sorrows with gold.

So they send for their friends, and array their horses,
their helms, and their shields, and their byrnies, and all
their war-gear; and their journey was furnished forth in
the noblest wise, and no champion who was of the grtait
men might abide at home ; and their horses were clad in
mail-coats, and every knight of them had his helm done
over with gold or with silver.

Grimhild was of their company, for she said that their
errand would never be brought fairly to pass if she sat at
home.

133

THE STORY OF THE

There were well five hundred men, and noble men rode
with them. There was Waldemar of Denmark, and Ey-
mod and Jarisleif withal. So they went into the hall of
King Alf, and there abode them the Longbeards, and
Franks, and Saxons : they fared with all their war-gear,
and had over them red fur-coats. Even as the song
says —

Byrnies short cut,
Strong helms hammered,
Girt with good swords,
Red hair gleaming.

They were fain to choose good gifts for their sister, and
spake softly to her, but in none of them would she trow.
Then Gunnar brought unto her a drink mingled with
hurtful things, and this she must needs drink, and with
the drinking thereof she had no more memory of their
guilt against her.

But in that drink was blended the might of the earth
and the sea with the blood of her son ; and in that horn
were all letters cut and reddened with blood, as is said
hereunder —

On the horn's face were there

All the kin of letters

Cut aright and reddened,

How should I rede them rightly?

The ling-fish long

Of the land of Hadding,

Wheat-ears unshorn.

And wild things' inwards.

In that beer were mingled
Many ills together,

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUXGS

Blood of all the wood

And brown-burnt acorns,

The black dew of the hearth.

The God-doomed dead beast's inwards.

And the swine's liver sodden

Because all wrongs that deadens.

And SO now, when their hearts are brought anigh to
each other, great cheer they made : then came Grimhild to
Gudrun, and spake —

"All hail to thee, daughter! I give thee gold and all
kinds of good things to take to thee after thy father, dear-
bought rings and bed-gear of the maids of the Huns, the
most courteous and well dight of all women ; and thus is
thy husband atoned for: and thereafter shalt thou be
given to Atli, the mighty king, and be mistress of all his
might. Cast not all thy friends aside for one man's sake,
but do according to our bidding."

Gudrun answers, "Never will I wed Atli the King : un-
seemly it is for us to get offspring betwixt us."

Grimhild says, "Nourish not thy wrath; it shall be to
thee as if Sigurd and Sigmund were alive when thou hast
borne sons."

Gudrun says, "I cannot take my heart from thoughts
of him, for he was the first of all men."

Grimhild says, "So it is shapen that thou must have
this king and none else."

Says Gudrun, "Give not this man to me, for an evil
thing shall come upon thy kin from him, and to his own
sons shall he deal evU, and be rewarded with a grim re-
venge thereafter."

135

THE STORY OF THE

Then waxed Grimhild fell at those words, and spake,
"Do even as we bid thee, and take therefore g^eat honour,
and our friendship, and the steads withal called Vinbjorg
and Valbjorg."

And such might was in the words of her, that even so
must it come to pass.

Then Gudrun spake, "Thus then must it needs befall,
howsoever against the will of me, and for little joy shall
it be and for great grief."

Then men leaped on their horses, and their women
were set in wains. So they fared four days a-riding and
other four a-shipboard, and yet four more again by land
and road, till at the last they came to a certain high-built
hall; then came to meet Gudrun many folk thronging;
and an exceedingly goodly feast was there made, even as
the word had gone between either kin, and it passed forth
in most proud and stately wise. And at that feast drinks
Atli his bridal with Gudrun ; but never did her heart laugh
on him, and little sweet and kind was their life together.

34. ATU BIDS THE GJUKINGS TO HIM.

Now tells the tale that on a night King Atli woke
from sleep and spake to Gudrun —

"Medreamed," said he, "that thou didst thrust me
through with a sword."

Then Gudrun areded the dream, and said that it be-
tokened fire, whenas folk dreamed of iron. "It befalls
of thy pride belike, in that thou deemest thyself the first
of men."

Atli said, "Moreover I dreamed that here waxed two

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNCS

service-tree saplings, and fain I was that they should have
no scathe of me; then these were riven up by the roots
and reddened with blood, and borne to the bench, and I
was bidden eat thereof.

"Yea, yet again I dreamed that two hawks flew from
my hand hungry and unfed, and fared to hell, and me-
seemed their hearts were mingled with honey, and that
I ate thereof.

"And then again I dreamed that two fair whelps lay
before me yelling aloud, and that the flesh of them I ate,
though my will went not with the eating."

Gudrun says, "Nowise good are these dreams, yet
shall they come to pass; surely thy sons are nigh to
death, and many heavy things shall fall upon us."

"Yet again I dreamed," said he, "and methought I lay
in a bath, and folk took counsel to slay me."

Now these things wear away with time, but in nowise
was their life together fond.

Now falls Atli to thinking of where may be gotten
that plenteous gold which Sigurd had owned, but King
Gunnar and his brethren were lords thereof now.

Atli was a great king and mighty, wise, and a lord
of many men ; and now he falls to counsel with his folk
as to the ways of them. He wotted well that Gunnar
and his brethren had more wealth than any others might
have; and so he falls to the rede of sending men to
them, and bidding them to a great feast, and honourmg
them in diverse wise, and the chief of those messengers
was hight Vingi.

Now the queen wots of their conspiring, and misdoubts

10 137

THE STORY OF THE

her that this would mean some beguiling of her brethren ;
so she cut runes, and took a gold ring, and knit therein
a wolfs hair, and gave it into the hands of the king's
messengers.

Thereafter they go their ways according to the king's
bidding; and or ever they came aland Vingi beheld the
runes, and turned them about in such a wise as if Gud-
run prayed her brethren in her runes to go meet King
Atli.

Thereafter they came to the hall of King Gunnar, and
had good welcome at his hands, and great fires were
made for them, and in great joyance they drank of the
best of drink.

Then spake Vingi, "King Atli sends me hither, and is
fain that ye go to his house and home in all glory, and
take of him exceeding honours, helm and shields, swords
and bymies, gold and goodly raiment, horses, hosts of
war, and great and wide lands, for, saith he, he is fainest
of all things to bestow his realm and lordship upon
you."

Then Gunnar turned his head aside, and spoke to
Hogni —

"In what wise shall we take this bidding? might and
wealth he bids us take; but no kings know I who have
so much gold as we have, whereas we have all the hoard
which lay once on Gnitaheath ; and great are our cham-
bers, and full of gold, and weapons for smiting, and all
kinds of raiment of war, and well I wot that amidst
all men my horse is the best, and my sword the sharpest,
and my gold the most glorious."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Hogni answers, "A marvel is it to me of his bidding,
for seldom hath he done in such a wise, and ill-coun-
selled will it be to wend to him; lo now, when I saw
those dear-bought things the king sends us I wondered
to behold a wolf's hair knit to a certain gold ring ; belike
Gudrun deems him to be minded as a wolf towards us,
and will have naught of our faring."

But withal Vingi shows him the runes which he said
Gudrun had sent.

Now the most of folk go to bed, but these drank on
still with certain others ; and Kostbera, the wife of Hogni,
the fairest of women, came to them, and looked on the
runes.

But the wife of Gunnar was Glaumvor, a great-
hearted wife.

So these twain poured out, and the kings drank, and
were exceeding drunken, and Vingi notes it, and says —

"Naught may I hide that King Atli is heavy of foot
and over-old for the warding of his realm; but his sons
are young and of no account ; now will he give you rule
over his realms while they are yet thus young, and most
fain will he be that ye have the joy thereof before all
others."

Now so it befell both that Gunnar was drunk and that
great dominion was held out to him, nor might he work
against the fate shapen for him ; so he gave his word to
go, and tells Hogni his brother thereof.

But he answered, "Thy word given must even stand
now, nor will I fail to follow thee, but most loth am I to
this journey."

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35. — ^THE DREAMS OF THE WIVES OF THE GJUKINGS.

So WHEN men had drunk their fill, they fared to sleep ;
then falls Kostbera to beholding the runes, and spelling
over the letters, and sees that beneath were other things
cut, and that the runes are guileful; yet because of her
wisdom she had skill to read them aright. So then she
goes to bed by her husband; but when they awoke, she
spake unto Hogni —

"Thou art minded to wend away from home — ill-coun-
selled is that; abide till another time! Scarce a keen
reader of runes art thou, if thou deemest thou hast beheld
in them the bidding of thy sister to this journey; lo, I
read the runes, and had marvel of so wise a woman as
Gudrun is, that she should have miscut them; but that
which lieth underneath beareth your bane with it, — yea,
either she lacked a letter, or others have dealt guilefully
with the runes.

"And now hearken to my dream ; for therein methought
there fell in upon us here a river exceeding strong, and
brake up the timbers of the hall."

He answered, "Full oft are ye evil of mind, ye women,
but for me, I was not made in such wise as to meet men
with evil who deserve no evil ; belike he will give us good
welcome."

She answered, "Well, the thing must ye yourselves
prove, but no friendship follows this bidding: — ^but yet
again I dreamed that another river fell in here with a
great and grimly rush, and tore up the dais of the hall,
and brake the legs of both you brethren ; surely that be-
tokeneth somewhat."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

He answers, "Meadows along our way, whereas thou
didst dream of the river; for when we go through the
meadows, plentifully doth the seeds of the hay hang about
our legs."

"Again I dreamed" she says, "that thy cloak was afire,
and that the flame blazed up above the hall."

Says he, "Well, I wot what that shall betoken; here
lieth my fair-dyed raiment, and it shall bum and blaze,
whereas thou dreamedst of the cloak."

"Methought a bear came in," she says, "and brake up
the king's high-seat, and shook his paws in such a wise
that we were all affrighted thereat, and he gat us all to-
gether into the mouth of him, so that we might avail us
naught, and thereof fell great horror on us."

He answered, "Some great storm will befall, whereas
thou hadst a white bear in thy mind."

"And another methought came in," she says, "and
swept adown the hall, and drenched me and all of us with
blood, and ill shall that betoken, for methought it was the
double of King Atli."

He answered, "Full oft do we slaughter beasts freely,
and smite down great neat for our cheer, and the dream of
the erne has but to do with oxen; yea, Atli is heart-
whole toward us."

And therewithal they cease this talk.

36.— OF rut JOURNEY OF THE GJUKINGS TO KING ATLI.

Now tells the tale of Gunnar, that in the same wise it
fared with him; for when they awoke, Glaumvor his
wife told him many dreams which seemed to her like to

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THE STORY OF THE

betoken guile coming; but Gunnar areded them all in
other wise.

"This was one of them," said she ; "methought a bloody
sword was borne into the hall here, wherewith thou wert
thrust through, and at either end of that sword wolves
howled."

The king answered, "Cur dogs shall bite me belike;
blood-stained weapons oft betoken dog's snappings."

She said, "Yet again I dreamed — ^that women came in,
heavy and drooping, and chose thee for their mate ; may-
happen these would be thy fateful women."

He answered, "Hard to arede is this, and none may set
aside the fated measure of his days, nor is it unlike that
my time is short."

So in the morning they arose, and were minded for the
journey, but some letted them herein.

Then cried Gunnar to the man who is called Fjomir —

"Arise, and give us to drink goodly wine from great
tuns, because mayhappen this shall be the very last of all
our feasts; for belike if we die the old wolf shall come by
the gold, and that bear shall nowise spare the bite of his
war-tusks."

Then all the folk of his household brought them on
their way weeping.

The son of Hogni said —

"Fare ye well with merry tide."

The more part of their folk were left behind; Solar
and Gnoevar, the sons of Hogni, fared with them, and a
certain gjeat champion, named Orkning, who was the
brother of Kostbera.

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

So folk followed them down to the ships, and all let-
ted them of their journey, but attained to naught therein.

Then spake Glaumvor, and said —

"O Vingi, most like that great ill hap will come of thy
coming, and mighty and evil things shall betide in thy
travelling."

He answered, "Hearken to my answer; that I lie not
aught ; and may the high gallows and all things of grame
(evil) have me, if I lie one word!"

Then cried Kostbera, "Fare ye well with merry days."

And Hogni answered, "Be glad of heart, howsoever it
may fare with us !"

And therewith they parted, each to their own fate.
Then away they rowed, so hard and fast, that well-nigh
the half of the keel slipped away from the ship, and
so hard they laid on to the oars that thole and gunwale
brake.

But when they came aland they made their ship fast,
and then they rode awhile on their noble steeds through
the murk wild-wood.

And now they behold the king's army, and huge up-
roar, and the clatter of weapons they hear from thence;
and they see there a* mighty host of men, and the mani-
fold array of them, even as they wrought there; and all
the gates of the burg were full of men.

So they rode up to the burg, and the gates thereof
were shut; then Hogni brake open the gates, and there-
with they ride into the burg.

Then spake Vingi, "Well might ye have left this deed
undone; go to, now, bide ye here while I go seek your

143

THE STORY OF THE

gallows-tree! Softly and sweetly I bade you hither, but
an evil thing abode thereunder; short while to bide ere
ye are tied up to that same tree !*'

Hogni answered, "None the more shall we waver for
that cause; for little methiriks have we shrunk aback
whenas men fell to fight; and naught shall it avail thee
to make us afraid, — and for an ill fate hast thou
wrought."

And therewith they cast him down to earth, and smote
him with their axe-hammers till he died.

37. — ^THE BATTI.E IN THE BURG OF KING ATLI.

Then they rode unto the king's hall, and King Atli
arrayed his host for battle, and the ranks were so set
forth that a certain wall there was betwixt them and the
brethren.

"Welcome hither," said he. "Deliver unto me that
plenteous gold which is mine of right; even the wealth
which Sigurd once owned, and which is now Gudrun's
of right."

Gunnar answered, "Never gettest thou that wealth;
and men of might must thou meet here, or ever we lay
by life if thou wilt deal with us in battle; ah, belike thou
settest forth this feast like a great man, and wouldst not
hold thine hand from erne and wolf!"

"Long ago I had it in my mind," said Atli, "to take
the lives of you, and be lord of the gold, and reward you
for that deed of shame, wherein ye beguiled the best of
all your affinity; but now shall I revenge him."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Hogni answered, "Little will it avail to lie long brcxxl-
ing over that rede, leaving the work undone."

And therewith they fell to hard fighting.

But therewithal came the tidings to Gudrun, and when
she heard thereof she grew exceeding wroth, and cast
her mantle from her, and ran out and greeted those new-
comers, and kissed her brethren, and showed them all love,
— and the last of all greetings was that betwixt them.

Then said she, "I thought I had set forth counsels
whereby ye should not come hither, but none may deal
with his shapen fate." And withal she said, "Will it
avail aught to seek for peace ?"

But stoutly and grimly they said nay thereto. So she
sees that the game goeth sorely against her brethren, and
she gathers to her great stoutness of heart, and does on
her a mail-coat and takes to her a sword, and fights by
her brethren, and goes as far forward as the bravest of
manfolk: and all spoke in one wise that never saw any
fairer defence than in her.

Now the men fell thick, and far before all others was
the fighting of those brethren, and the battle endured a
long while unto midday ; Gunnar and Hogni went right
through the folk of Atli, and so tells the tale that all
the mead ran red with blood, the sons of Hogfni withal
set on stoutly.

Then spake Atli the king, "A fair host and a great
have we, and mighty champions withal, and yet have
many of us fallen, and but evil am I apaid in that nine-
teen of my champions are slain, and but six left alive."

And therewithal was there a lull in the battle.

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THE STORY OF THE

Then spake Atli the king, "Four brethren were we, and
now am I left alone; great affinity I gat to me, and
deemed my fortune well sped thereby ; a wife I had, fair
and wise, high of mind, and great of heart ; but no joy-
ance may I have of her wisdom, for little peace is betwixt
us, — ^but ye — ^ye have slain many of my kin, and be-
guiled me of realm and riches, and for the greatest of all
woes have slain my sister withal."

Quoth Hogni, "Why babblest thou thus ? thou wert the
first to break the peace. Thou didst take my kinswoman
and pine her to death by hunger, and didst murder her,
and take her wealth ; an ugly deed for a king ! — ^meet for
mocking and laughter I deem it, that thou must needs
make long tale of thy woes ; rather will I give thanks to
the Gods that thou fallest into ill."

38. — OF THE SLAYING OF THE GJUKINGS.

Now King Atli eggs on his folk to set on fiercely, and
eagerly they fight ; but the Gjukings fell on so hard that
King Atli gave back into the hall, and within doors was
the fight, and fierce beyond all fights.

That battle was the death of many a man, but such was
the ending thereof, that there fell all the folk of those
brethren, and they twain alone stood up on their feet,
and yet many more must fare to hell first before their
weapons.

And now they fell on Gunnar the king, and because of
the host of men that set on him was hand laid on him,
and he was cast into fetters; afterwards fought Hogni,
with the stoutest heart and the greatest manlihood; and

146

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

he felled to earth twenty of the stoutest of the champions
of King Atli, and many he thrust into the fire that burnt
amidst the hall, and all were of one accord that such a
man might scarce be seen ; yet in the end was he borne
down by many and taken.

Then said King Atli, "A marvellous thing how many
men have gone their ways before him! Cut the heart
from out of him, and let that be his bane!"

Hogni said, "Do according to thy will ; merrily will I
abide whatso thou wilt do against me; and thou shalt
see that my heart is not afraid, for hard matters have I
made trial of ere now, and all things that may try a man
was I fain to bear, whiles yet I was unhurt; but now
sorely am I hurt, and thou alone henceforth will bear
mastery in our dealings together."

Then spake a counsellor of King Atli, "Better rede I
see thereto; take we the thrall Hjalli, and give respite to
Hogni ; for this thrall is made to die, since the longer he
lives the less worth shall he be."

The thrall hearkened, and cried out aloft, and fled away
anywhither where he might hope for shelter, crying out
that a hard portion was his because of their strife and
wild doings, and an ill day for him whereon he must be
dragged to death from his sweet life and his swine-keep-
ing. But they caught him, and turned a knife against
him, and he yelled and screamed or ever he felt the point
thereof.

Then in such wise spake Hogni as a man seldom
speaketh who is fallen into hard need, for he prayed for
the thrall's life, and said that these shrieks he could not

147

THE STORY OF THE

away with, and that it were a lesser matter to him to play
out the play to the end ; and therewithal the thrall gat his
life as for that time; but Gunnar and Hogni are both
laid in fetters. Then spake King Atli with Gunnar the
king, and bade him tell concerning the gold, and where
it was, if he would have his life.

But he answered, "Nay, first will I behold the bloody
head of Hogni, my brother."

So now they caught hold of the thrall again, and cut
the heart from out of him, and bore it unto King Gun-
nar, but he said —

"The faint heart of Hjalli may ye here behold, little
like the proud heart of Hogni, for as much as it trembleth
now, more by the half it trembled whenas it lay in the
breast of him."

So now they fell on Hogni even as Atli urged them,
and cut the heart from out of him, but such was the might
of his manhood, that he laughed while he abode that tor-
ment, and all wondered at his worth, and in perpetual
memory is it held since.

Then they showed it to Gunnar, and he said —

"The mighty heart of Hogni, little like the faint heart
of Hjalli, for little as it trembleth now, less it trembled
whenas in his breast it lay ! But now, O Atli, even as we
die so shalt thou die; and lo; I alone wot where the gold
is, nor shall Hogni be to tell thereof now; to and fro
played the matter in my mind whiles we both lived, but
now have I myself determined for myself, and the Rhine
river shall rule over the gold, rather than that the Huns
shall bear it on the hands of them."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Then said King Atli, "Have away the bondsman ;" and
so they did.

But Gudrun called to her men, and came to Atli, and
said —

"May it fare ill with thee now and from henceforth,
even as thou hast ill held to thy word w^ith me !"

So Gunnar was cast into a worm-close (snake-pen),
and many worms abode him there, and his hands were
fast bound ; but Gudrun sent him a harp, and in such wise
did he set forth his craft, that wisely he smote the harp,
smiting it with his toes, and so excellently well he played,
that few deemed they had heard such playing, even when
the hand had done it. And with such might and power
he played, that all the worms fell asleep in the end, save
one adder only, great and evil of aspect, that crept unto
him and thrust his sting into him until it smote his heart ;
and in such wise with great hardihood he ended his
life days.

39. — rn% end o^ atu and his kin and folk.

Now thought Atli the King that he had gained a
mighty victory, and spake to Gudrun even as mocking
her greatly, or as making himself great before her.
"Gudrun," saith he, "thus hast thou lost thy brethren,
and thy very self hast brought it about."

She answers, "In good liking livest thou, whereas thou
thrustest these slayings before me, but mayhappen thou
wilt rue it, when thou hast tried what is to come here-
after ; and of all I have, the longest-lived matter shall be
the memory of thy cruel heart, nor shall it go well with

thee whiles I live." ^.^

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He answered and said, "Let there be peace betwixt us ;
I will atone for thy brethren with gold and dear-bought
things, even as thy heart may wish."

She answers, "Hard for a long while have I been in our
dealings together, and now I say, that while Hogni was
yet alive thou mightest have brought it to pass ; but now
mayest thou never atone for my brethren in my heart;
yet oft must we women be overborne by the might of you
men; and now are all my kindred dead and gone, and
thou alone art left to rule over me : wherefore now this is
my counsel that we make a great feast, wherein I will
hold the funeral of my brother and of thy kindred withal."

In such wise did she make herself soft and kind in
words, though far other things forsooth lay thereunder,
but he hearkened to her gladly, and trusted in her words,
whereas she made herself sweet of speech.

So Gudrun held the funeral feast for her brethren, and
King Atli for his men, and exceeding proud and great
was this feast.

But Gudrun forgat not her woe, but brooded over it,
how she might work some mighty shame against the
king; and at nightfall she took to her the sons of King
Atli and her as they played about the floor; the young-
lings waxed heavy of cheer, and asked what she would
with them.

"Ask me not," she said; "ye shall die, the twain of
you !"

Then they answered, "Thou mayest do with thy chil-
dren even as thou wilt, nor shall any hinder thee, but
shame there is to thee in the doing of this deed."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

Yet for all that she cut the throats of them.

Then the king asked where his sons were, and Gudrun
answered, "I will tell thee, and gladden thine heart by
the telling; lo now, thou didst make a great woe spring
up for me in the slaying of my brethren; now hearken
and hear my rede and my deed; thou hast lost thy sons,
and their heads are become beakers on the board here,
and thou thyself hast drunken the blood of them blended
with wine ; and their hearts I took and roasted them on a
spit, and thou hast eaten thereof."

King Atli answered, "Grim art thou in that thou
hast murdered thy sons, and given me their flesh to eat,
and little space passes betwixt ill deed of thine and ill
deed."

Gudrun said, "My heart is set on the doing to thee of
as great shame as may be; never shall the measure of ill
be full to such a king as thou art."

The king said, "Worser deeds hast thou done than
men have to tell of, and g^reat unwisdom is there in such
fearful redes; most meet art thou to be burned on bale
when thou hast first been smitten to death with stones, for
in such wise wouldst thou have what thou hast gone a
weary way to seek."

She answered, "Thine own death thou foretellest, but
another death is fated for me."

And many other words they spake in their wrath.

Now Hogni had a son left alive, hight Niblung, and
great wrath of heart he bare against King Atli ; and he
did Gudrun to wit that he would avenge his father. And
she took his words well, and they fell to counsel together

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THE STORY OF THE

thereover, and she said it would be great goodhap if it
might be brought about.

So on a night, when the king had drunken, he gat him
to bed, and when he was laid asleep, thither to him came
Gudrun and the son of Hogni.

Gudrun took a sword and thrust it through the breast
of King Atli, and they both of them set their hands to the
deed, both she and the son of Hogni.

Then Atli the king awoke with the wound, and cried
out, "No need of binding or salving here ! — ^who art thou
who hast done the deed ?'*

Gudrun says, "Somewhat have I, Gudrun, wrought
therein, and somewhat withal the son of Hogni."

Atli said, "111 it beseemed to thee to do this, though
somewhat of wrong was between us ; for thou were wed-
ded to me by the rede of thy kin, and dower paid I for
thee ; yea, thirty goodly knights, and seemly maidens, and
many men besides; and yet wert thou not content, but if
thou shouldst rule over the lands King Budli owned ; and
thy mother-in-law full oft thou lettest sit a- weeping."

Gudrun said, "Many false words hast thou spoken, and
of naught I account them ; oft, indeed, was I fell of mood,
but much didst thou add thereto. Full oft in this thy
house did frays befall, and kin fought kin, and friend
fought friend, and made themselves big one against the
other; better days had I whenas I abode with Sigurd,
when we slew kings, and took their wealth to us, but gave
peace to whomso would, and the great men laid them-
selves under our hands, and might we gave to him of
them who would have it; then I lost him, and a little

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

thing was it that I should bear a widow's name, but the
greatest of griefs that I should come to thee — I who had
aforetime the noblest of all kings, while for thee, thou
never barest out of the battle aught but the worser lot."

King Atli answered, "Naught true are thy words, nor
will this our speech better the lot of either of us, for all is
fallen now to naught ; but now do to me in seemly wise,
and array my dead corpse in noble fashion."

"Yea, that will I," she says, "and let make for thee a
goodly grave, and build for thee a worthy abiding place
of stone, and wrap thee in fair linen, and care for all that
needful is."

So therewithal he died, and she did according to her
word : and then they cast fire into the hall.

And when the folk and men of estate awoke amid that
dread and trouble, naught would they abide the fire, but
smote each the other down, and died in such wise ; so there
Atli the king, and all his folk, ended their life-days. But
Gudrun had no will to live longer after this deed so
wrought, but nevertheless her ending day was not yet
come upon her.

Now the Volsungs and the Gjukings, as folk tell in
tale, have been the greatest-hearted and the mightiest of
all men, as ye may well behold written in the songs of
old time.

But now with the tidings just told were these troubles
stayed.

11 153

THE STORY OF THE

40. — HOW GUDRUN CAST HERSELF INTO THE SEA, BUT

WAS BROUGHT ASHORE AGAIN.

GuDRUN had a daughter by Sigurd hight Swanhild;
she was the fairest of all women, eager-eyed as her
father, so that few durst look under the brows of her;
and as far did she excel other wcxnan-kind as the sun ex-
cels the other lights of heaven.

But on a day went Gudrun down to the sea, and caught
up stones in her arms, and went out into the sea, for she
had will to end her life. But mighty billows drave her
forth along the sea, and by means of their upholding
was she borne along till she came at the last to the burg
of King Jonakr, a mighty king, and lord of many folk.
And he took Gudrun to wife, and their children were
Hamdir, and Sorli, and Erp; and there was Swanhild
nourished withal.

41. — OP THE WEDDING AND SI.AYING OP SWANHII.D.

JORMUNREK was the name of a mighty king of those
days, and his son was called Randver. Now this king
called his son to talk with him, and said, "Thou shalt
fare on an errand of mine to King Jonakr, with my coun-
sellor Bikki, for with King Jonakr is nourished Swan-
hild, the daughter of Sigurd Fafnir's-bane ; and I know
for sure that she is the fairest maid dwelling under the
sun of this world ; her above all others would I have to
my wife, and thou shalt go woo her for me."

Randver answered, "Meet and right, fair lord, that I
should go on thine errands."

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VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

So the king set forth this journey in seemly wise, and
they fare till they come to King Jonakr's abode, and
behold Swanhild, and have many thoughts concerning the
treasure of her goodliness.

But on a day Randver called the king to talk with
him, and said, "Jo^^^^^^^l^ ^^^ King would fain be thy
brother-in-law, for he has heard tell of Swanhild, and his
desire it is to have her to wife, nor may it be shown
that she may be g^ven to any mightier man than he is
one.

The king says, "This is an alliance of great honour,
for a man of fame he is."

Gudrun says, "A wavering trust, the trust in luck that
it change not !"

Yet because of the king's furthering, and all the mat-
ters that went herewith, is the wooing accomplished ; and
Swanhild went to the ship with a goodly company, and
sat in the stern beside the king's son.

Then spake Bikki to Randver, "How good and right
it were if thou thyself had to wife so lovely a woman
rather than the old man there."

Good seemed that word to the heart of the king's son,
and he spake to her with sweet words, and she to him
in like wise.

So they came aland and go unto the king, and Bikki
said unto him, "Meet and right it is, lord, that thou
shouldst know what is befallen, though hard It be to tdl
of, for the tale must be concerning thy beguiling, whereas
thy son has gotten to him the full love of Swanhild, nor
is she other than his harlot; but thou, let not the deed
be unavenged/' j--

THE STORY OF THE

Now many an ill rede had he given the king or this,
but of all his ill redes did this sting home the most; and
still would the king hearken to all his evil redes; where-
fore he, who might nowise still the wrath within him,
cried out that Randver should be taken and tied up to
the gallows-tree.

And as he was led to the gallows he took his hawk
and plucked the feathers from oflf it, and bade show it
to his father; and when the king saw it, then he said,
"Now may folk behold that he deemeth my honour to
be gone away from me, even as the feathers of this
hawk;" and therewith he bade deliver him from the
gallows.

But in that while had Bikki wrought his will, and
Randver was dead-slain.

And, moreover, Bikki spake, "Against none hast thou
more wrongs to avenge thee of than against Swanhild;
let her die a shameful death."

"Yea," said the king, "we will do after thy counsel."

So she was bound in the gate of the burg, and horses
were driven at her to tread her down; but when she
opened her eyes wide, then the horses durst not trample
her ; so when Bikki beheld that, he bade draw a bag over
the head of her; and they did so, and therewith she lost
her life.^

^In the prose Bdda the slaying of Svanhlld If a spontaneous and
sudden act on the part of the king. As he came back from hunting oue
day, there sat Swanhild washing her linen, and It came into the king's
mind how that she was the cause of all his woe« so he and his men rode
over her and slew her. — Tr,

156

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS
42. — GUDRUN SENDS HER SONS TO AVENGE SWANHILD.

Now Gudrun heard of the slaying of Swanhild, and
spake to her sons, "Why sit ye here in peace amid merry
words, whereas Jormunrek hath slain your sister, and
trodden her under foot of horses in shameful wise ? No
heart ye have in you like to Gunnar or Hogni ; verily they
would have avenged their kinswoman !"

Hamdir answered, "Little didst thou praise Gunnar and
Hogni, whereas they slew Sigurd, and thou wert red-
dened in the blood of him, and ill were thy brethren
avenged by the slaying of thine own sons ; yet not so ill
a deed were it for us to slay King Jormunrek, and so
hard thou pushest us on to this that we may naught abide
thy hard words."

Gudrun went about laughing now, and gave them to
drink from mighty beakers, and thereafter she got for
them g^eat byrnies and good, and all other weed^ of war.

Then spake Hamdir, "Lo now, this is our last parting,
for thou shalt hear tidings of us, and drink one g^ave-
ale* over us and over Swanhild."

So therewith they went their ways.

But Gudrun went unto her bower, with heart swollen
with sorrow, and spake —

"To three men was I wedded, and first to Sigurd
Fafnir's-bane, and he was bewrayed and slain, and of all
griefs was that the greatest grief. Then was I given to
King Atli, and so fell was my heart toward him that I
slew in the fury of my grief his children and mine. Then

^Weed (A.8. wecdo), cloUilng.
*QraTe-alo, burial-feast.

157

THE STORY OF THE

gave I myself to the sea, but the billows thereof cast me
out aland, and to this king then was I given ; then gave I
Swanhild away out of the land with mighty wealth ; and
lo my next g^reatest sorrow after Sigurd, for under
horses' feet was she trodden and slain ; but the g^rimmest
and ugliest of woes was the casting of Gunnar into the
Worm-close, and the hardest was the cutting of Hogni's
heart from him.

"Ah, better would it be if Sigurd came to meet me, and
I went my ways with him, for here bideth now behind
with me neither son nor daughter to comfort me. Oh,
mindest thou not, Sigurd, the words we spoke when we
went into one bed together, that thou wouldst come and
look on me; yea, even from thine abiding place among
the dead ?*'

And thus had the words of her sorrow an end.

43. — mn LATTER END OF Ahh THE KIN OF THE GJUKINGS.

Now telleth the tale concerning the sons of Gudrun,
that she had arrayed their war-raiment in such wise,
that no steel would bite thereon ; and she bade them play
not with stones or other heavy matters, for that it would
be to their scathe if they did so.

And now, as they went on their way, they met Erp,
their brother, and asked him in what wise he would help
them.

He answered, "Even as hand helps hand, or foot helps
foot."

But that they deemed naught at all, and slew him there
and then. Then they went their ways, nor was it long or

158

VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNCS

ever Hamdir stumbled, and thrust down his hand to
steady himself, and spake therewith —

"Naught but a true thing spake Erp, for now should I
have fallen, had not hand been to steady me."

A little after Sorli stumbled, but turned about on his
feet, and so stood, and spake —

"Yea now had I fallen, but that I steadied myself with
both feet."

And they said they had done evilly with Erp their
brother.

But on they fare till they come to the abode of King
Jormunrek, and they went up to him and set on him
forthwith, and Hamdir cut both hands from him and
Sorli both feet. Then spake Hamdir —

"Off were the head if Erp were alive; our brother,
whom we slew on the way, and found out our deed too
late." Even as the Song says —

Off were the head
If Erp were alive yet,
Our brother the bold,
Whom we slew by the way.
The well-famed In warfare.

Now in this must they turn away from the words of
their mother, whereas they had to deal with stones. For
now men fell on them, and they defended themselves in
good and manly wise, and were the scathe of many a
man, nor would iron bite on them.

But there came thereto a certain man, old of aspect
and one-eyed,* and he spake —

HMin ; he «ndi th« tale as he began tt.

159

THE STORY OF THE VOLSUNGS AND NIBLUNGS

"No wise men are ye, whereas ye cannot bring these
men to their end."

Then the king said, "Give us rede thereto, if thou
canst."

He said, "Smite them to the death with stones."

In such wise was it done, for the stones flew thick and
fast from every side, and that was the end of their life-
days.

And now has come to an end the whole root and stem
of the Gjukings.*

Now MAY ALL SARLS

Be bettered in mind^

May the grief of all maidens

Ever be minished^

For this tale of trouble

so told to its ending.

^**And now," etc.. Inserted by translatora from the prose Edda; the
ttansa at the end from the Whetting of Qudrun.

i6o

LEGEND OF THE

WAGNER TRILOGY,

BY

JESSIE L. WESTON.

Chapter I.
THE NIBELUNGEN RING.

[In adapting the Nibelung Liegend to operatic treatment Wag-
ner has made use of the license that is legitimately granted to
the dramatist, and therein he exhibits several departures from
the story as told in the Volsunga Saga. But his discriminations
are never disfigured with inconsistencies. Moreover, the famous
composer ever manifests critical literary Judgment throughout,
and a just regard for proportions and congruities in the argu-
ment upon which his trilogy is based. For it must be understood
that, like all ancient and very popular tales, The Nibelungen-lied
has many versions, in which while the main thread is preserved,
material variations are discoverable. Wagner therefore has
exercised the Justified privilege of using material from not only
all the several versions of the legend but also borrowed from
Norse Mythology such incidents as have a bearing upon the tale
and then, like a great master, he blended the whole into a har-
monious story, in design, texture and color, that age nor study
cannot divest of ever living interest — Editor,^

In the study of the legends which lie at the basis of the
series of immortal works which the genius of Richard
Wagner has bequeathed to the world, we should place
in the forefront the g^eat Siegfried legend, the primaeval
heritage of the German people. For, in spite of the fas-
cinating garb in which, through the darkness of the long

i6i

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Northern nights and sunless Northern days, the skill of
Icelandic bards has clothed the story, the home of the
legend was originally the home of the German Folk, the
Rhine-land.

How old the legend is we cannot tell ; we only know
that it comes to us fraught with dim reminiscences and
hints of a time when the worlds of sense and of spirit
were not so far apart as now we hold them; when the
gods, clad in the likeness of men, walked the earth, and
visibly turned and guided as they would the lives of mor-
tals; a time when the sons of God beheld the daughters
of men, and saw that they were fair. What wonder, then,
if the threads of a web woven so long ago have become
torn and tangled by time, if here and there we find rents
in the fabric, and the original design baffles our scru-
tiny. But it is a goodly fabric still, and the colours are
fair to look on, and the waving lines of the pattern en-
chain our fancy, even if we cannot tell where in old time
they began, or how, in truth, they ended.

The myth which took form and shape on German soil
was originally, in part at least, brought by them from the
common cradle of their race, the home of the Aryan peo-
ple. How early it assumed its distinctive fonn we can-
not now tell ; but this we may look upon as certain, that,
originally mythical, and dealing with the life and death
of a mythical hero, it was well known and popular by the
fifth century; and that shortly after that date it became
modified by the introduction of an element distinctly his-
torical, and based on the events of the latter half of that
century. The causes which led to this amplification of

162

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

the original legend are still a matter of speculation, but
all are agreed that in the latter part of the Siegfried story,
as it now stands, we have a reminiscence of the defeat and
destruction of the Burgundian kingdom by the Huns
A. D. 437 ; and of the death of Attila on the night of his
marriage with Ildico, A. d. 453.

When wc remember the terrifying effect produced by
the incursions of Attila and his savage warriors, the
dread with which they were regarded as instruments of
Divine wrath rather than as mere men of predatory in-
stincts, a dread which has been embodied in Attila's well-
known title of "The Scourge of God," and the abrupt
closing of his career by a death as sudden and mysterious
as his life had been brilliant and awe-inspiring, — ^we can
only find it natural that such a character should have be-
come, not merely a striking historical personality, but a
legendary hero; that he became, and that in so short a
period after his death, an integral part of an already ex-
isting and immensely popular l^end, is a more striking
proof of the effect produced by Attila on the popular
mind than any outside historical testimony can afford.

As remarked above, the causes which led to Attila's
absorption into the legend are difficult to determine; we
cannot securely base an argument on mere similarity of
names — in the early records of all peoples, history and le-
gend are so closely intertwined ; but it is worthy of note
that the roll of the Burgundian kings includes the names
of Gibica, Gundohar, Godomar, and Gislahar — ^names
which accord too strongly with the varying forms found
in the legend for the resemblance to be merely acciden-

163

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

tal, though at this distance of time it is impossible to say
whether legend borrowed from* history, or history filled
up gaps in its roll by borrowing from legend. That the
names accorded independently, and that there was orig-
inally a legendary Gunther, whose personality became
merged in that of the historical Gunther, as some critics
maintain, seems scarcely probable. It is most likely that
the story in its simple and primaeval form ended with
Siegfried's death, and that as time went on the people
became dissatisfied with a conclusion which in their eyes
lacked justice ; the treacherous murder of one so young,
so brilliant, and beautiful as the hero is always repre-
sented, demanded vengeance — ^Attila's death, really due
to natural causes, was by many ascribed to his wife, an
act of vengeance on her part for the murder of her father
by the Huns; her name, Ildico, recalled the Grimhild,
or Hilda, of the legend ; and to the introduction of this
Rache-motif we very likely owe the develoiMnent of the
legend, and its blending of legendary and historical
events — ^the vengeance worked out by a woman's unre-
lenting hatred, involving alike the murderers of Siegfried
and the instrument of their punishment, Attila. The total
destruction of the Burgundian power would naturally
make a strong impression on the neighbours of the van-
quished people, and it is easy to understand how the
(historically unimportant) father of Ildico became re-
placed in popular imagination by the Burgundian kings,
whose overthrow might very well demand veng^nce. If
there really were, as in the case of Ildico, whom we know
to be historical, a similarity between the names of the

164

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

actors in the legendary and the historical drama, the
temptation to weld the two into one would become irre-
sistable; and though, of course, it is impossible to speak
with certainty, the hypothesis that the moulding of the
Siegfried legend into its final and completed form was due
to these influences, is at least intelligible and worthy of
consideration.

In any case, this union between legend and history took
place soon after the death of Attila, for the story, in this
form, travelled North probably not later than the sixth
century. Here, among the Scandinavian peoples, it found
a congenial home, and became enshrined in a number of
songs or lays, preserved in the Icelandic Eddas to this
day. Out of these songs, and others now lost, an un-
known compiler, in the twelfth century, constructed the
Volsungosaga, a prose recital of the origin and deeds of
the race of the Volsungs, of which race Sigurd is the last
and greatest hero. The story has, of course, undergone
considerable modification by transmission from its origfi-
nal German home, and many of its special features are
undoubtedly due to Northern influence, but it retains, far
more strongly than the other versions, the mythical ele-
ment undoubtedly present in the original story, and, cm
the whole, it may be considered as giving the oldest, as it
certainly does the most complete and poetical, form of the
legend. We also possess another Northern version, of
somewhat later date, the Thtdrek-saga (so called because
its main object is the recital of the deeds of Thidrek of
Bern), compiled probably by an Icelandic scribe in the
middle of the thirteenth century ; but inasmuch as the ver-

•

165

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

sion given is based avowedly on German, and especially
on Saxon, tradition, it represents the Germcni rather than
the Scandinavian form of the story. In this light, con-
sidering the fact that the legend is admittedly of German
origin, the Thidrek-saga is especially valuable; and
though, as a whole, the atmosphere of the story is more
mediaeval and less primitive than that of the Volsunga-
saga, in certain details, which will be noted in their place,
it seems to have preserved more faithfully the original
form of the legend.

But even in its original German home the legend be-
came in process of time much modified, as in the form of
lays, sung or recited by wandering minstrels, it passed
from one generation to another, till finally, in the latter
half of the twelfth century, these scattered songs grad-
ually assumed a connected form ; or were taken, by some
unknown poet, as the basis for the construction of a con-
nected version of the legend (both of these theories find
their adherents among the critics) ; and in their final shape
as the Nibelungen-lled, have won a permanent place in
literature, as the national epic of Germany. In this, as
it must be considered, latest form of the legend the char-
acter of the story has greatly altered; the mythical ele-
ment has entirely disappeared ; the earlier incidents of the
hero's story have been in part forgotten, in part passed
lightly over ; and all the interest is concentrated on that
portion of Siegfried's career which connects him with
the Burgundian Rhine kings; while the final scenes of
the story, and the vengeance for Siegfried's death, take
up more than one-half of the entire poem. The whole

i66

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

atmosphere, too, is absolutely mediaeval, stamped through-
out with the impress of the feudal spirit, with the fullest
recognition of the bond existing between king and vassal,
master and man; while the importance of the role as-
signed to Hagen, and the stern grandeur of his character,
practically lift him to the level of Siegfried, and divide
the poem into two parts, Siegfried being the hero of one,
Hagen of the other.

With the Nibelungen-lied the legend may be held to
have reached its full development. True, the remem-
brance of the hero lived, and still lives on, enshrined in
many varying forms ; in the Folk-songs of Denmark and
the Faroe Isles (in the latter curiously little altered) ; in
German Volksbiicher, and the works of the Meistersing-
ers ; and even to our own day, much distorted, but clearly
recognisable, in current fairy tales. But for an under-
standing of the original form of the legend, so far as we
can apprehend it, we do not need more than a careful
study of the three main streams of tradition here men-
tioned, and it is in these three versions that we must seek
for the explanation of the particular form into which
Wagner cast his drama of the Nibelimgen Ring.

THE THIDREK-SAGA.

(This version of the legend, though evidently follow-
ing in many particulars the source of the Volsunga-saga,
or it may be the Volsunga-saga itself, yet differs from it
m many important particulars, the most essential differ-
ence being in the accoimt of Sigurd's birth and bringing

167

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

up.) This IS the account g^ven by the Thidrek-saga : —
There was a king named Sigmund, who had wedded
Sisibe, the daughter of Nodung, King of Spain. Shortly
after his marriage, Sigmund left his kingdom to go to
the aid of his brother-in-law, who would fight against
Pulinenland.

Now Sigmund left his kingdom and his wife in the care
of two of his nobles, Herman and Artwin, but these two
were traitors, who would fain win the love of the queen
for themselves ; and when she would not listen, they cast
about in their minds how they might escape the wrath
of King Sigmund, for they feared lest the queen should
tell him of their ill-doings. So when Sigmund returned,
the two nobles rode to meet him, and accused the queen
of a guilty passion for her serving-man; and Sigmund,
in his anger, bade them take the queen to a lonely wood,
and there cut out her tongue, and leave her to perish.
Then Sisibe, thinking that her husband had sent for her,
rode with the two traitors into the forest ; but when Art-
win would have carried out the king's command, Herman
took pity on her innocence and beauty, and would do her
no harm.

So the two fought; and as they fought, the queen, in
her terror, gave birth to a son, and she laid the babe in a
glass casket she was bearing with her. Now Herman got
the better of the fight, and Artwin fell at the queen's feet,
and in his death-agony he struck the casket, and it fell
down the bank into the river, and was borne away on the
current, and when the queen saw that the babe was lost,
so great was her sickness and her terror that she fell
dead. jgg

THE THibREK'SAGA

The river bare the casket towards the sea, and it was
ebb-tide, and the casket smote against the rocks and
broke, and the babe lay and wept bitterly. There came
a hind out of the wood, and she came to the child and
bare it in her mouth to her lair, and suckled the babe with
her own fawns, and the boy grew tall and strong.

Now, there was a cunning smith named Mimir, and he
had a brother Regin, who, because of his skill in mag^c
and his evil deeds, had been changed into a dragon, and
dwelt in a forest, and dealt death to all who came in his
way, saving his brother alone. Now, one day Mimir was
burning charcoal in the wood, when a naked child came
out of the bushes and ran up to him ; it was a fair boy,
and well grown, but unable to speak; and as Mimir ca-
ressed the boy, a hind came out of the wood and came to
the child and licked him all over. So Mimir knew this
was a strayed babe whom the beast had nourished; and
having no child, he took him home and gave him the name
of Sigfrid, and brought him up as his foster-son. But
Sigfrid grew up of a fierce and unruly nature, and he ill-
treated the other lads who came to learn of Mimir, and
Mimir's serving-men, till they all feared him exceedingly.
Nor was he better at smithying, for when Mimir sent
him to the forge he smote so hard that he split the anvil
in two and brake the tongs. Then Mimir sent him forth
to the wood to bum charcoal for him, and gave him pro-
visions for nine days, and told Regin of his coming, for
he hoped the dragon would slay Sigfrid. But when the
dragon came against him, Sigfrid snatched a tree-trunk
out of the fire, and beat the dragon cm the head with the

12 169

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

burning wood till he had slain him. And with that he
was hungry, for he had eaten all his food at one meal,
and he cut up the dragon and put the flesh in his kettle ;
and he put his hand in to try if it were cooked, and his
hand was scalded, and he put it to his lips ; and when he
tasted of the blood of the dragon, he understood the voice
of the birds, and he heard how they spake of Mimir's
treachery, and how the dragon was Mimir's brother.
Then Sigfrid took the blood of the dragon, and wherever
It touched his skin, the skin became hard like horn. So
he stripped off his clothes, and bathed himself in the blood
and his skin was as horn all over, save between his
shoulders, where he could not reach ; then he did on his
clothes again and went homeward, bearing the head of
the dragon in his hands. When his companions saw him
they were terrified, and fled to the woods and hid them-
selves ; but Mimir spoke gently to him, and oflfered him a
suit of armour and a sword, and bade him go to Bryn-
hild's palace and ask of her the horse Grani. Then Sig-
frid smote off Mimir's head with his sword, and went on
his way to Brynhild's palace; and when he came to See-
gard, he burst open the doors, and slew seven warders
and seven knights who would forbid his entry, and made
his way to Brynhild's chamber. The maiden welcomed
him kindly, and told him of his parentage, which before
he knew not, and bade him take the horse Grani; and
Sigfrid rode forth to King Isung of Bertangaland, and
became his standard-bearer. (It appears later on that at
this first meeting Sigfrid and Brynhild plight their troth
to each other, but the saga-writer does not record it.

170

THE THIDREK-SACA

After Sigfrid's coming to King Isung we have a full ac-
count of the arms and appearance of the twelve compan-
ions of Thidrek (Dietrich) von Bern, of their fight with
King Isung, his eleven sons and standard-bearer, Sig-
frid, which leads up to the arrival of the latter with
Thidrek, Gunther, and Hagen at Worms, and the taking
up once more of the thread of Sigfrid's story.) Now
Aldrian was king of Nibelungenland, and he had four
sons — Gunther, Hagen, Gernoz, and Gislher — and one
daughter, Grimhild; but though all men thought Hagen
the son of Aldrian, he was in truth the son of an elf, who
had come to Queen Oda as she lay asleep in a garden;
and his countenance was pale as ashes, and his face terri-
ble to look upon; moreover, he had but one eye. And
Sigfrid wedded Grimhild, and ruled over half of the
kingdom ; and the Niblungs were accounted great heroes,
and feared by all. Then Sigfrid said to Gunther that it
would be well if he should marry Brynhild, and that he
would guide him to her palace, and Gunther thought it
good ; so they came to the palace of Brynhild, who wel-
comed them all save Sigfrid, and him she would not wel-
ccxne because he had taken a wife. Then Brynhild asked
Sigirid why he had broken his vows to her, and Sigirid
said that she had no brother, and he deemed it wiser to
marry the sister of a mighty king, such as Gunther, than
to marry her.^ Then Brynhild said, since better might
not be, she would wed Gunther; but on the marriage
night she would treat him in no way as her husband, and

^It win be seen here that there is no suggestion of magic influence;
Sigfrid's conduct is determined by motiyes of aelf-intereat entirely.

171

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

when he would have forced her to yield to him, she
bound him hand and foot with her girdle, and hung him
to the wall, and so she did the second and third nights.
Gimther spoke of his grief to Sigfrid, and Sigfrid told
him that so long as Brynhild was a maiden, a man might
hardly overcome her. So Sigfrid, at Gunther's wish,
clad himself in Gunther's clothes, and took his place in
the marriage-chamber; and when Brynhild would have
treated him as aforetime, he wrestled with her and over-
came her, and took from her her maiden-hood, and took
the gold ring from off her finger and gave it to Grim-
hild; but Brynhild thought it had been Gunther. (The
saga does not say how long they dwell in peace together ;
but, as in all the versions, the denouement is brought
about by Brynhild's contemptuous treatment of her sis-
ter-in-law, which provokes Grimhild to retaliate by re-
vealing the secret intrusted to her.) Brynhild was very
wrathful, and she went out to meet her husband and Ha-
gen as they returned from hunting, and prayed of them to
slay Sigfrid ; and inasmuch as Gunther deemed that Sig-
frid had won to himself too much power, he promised
that it should be as she willed. So they proclaimed a
great hunting, and Hagen bade the cook salt well their
food, and give them but little to drink, and so it was
done ; and when the heroes would quench their thirst at a
brook, Gunther and Hagen drank first, and as Sigfrid
bent down to drink, Hagen smote him with a spear in
his back, and so he died. Then they lifted his dead body
on his horse and went homeward; and Brynhild met
them, and said it was a fair hunting, and bade them

172

THE THIDREK-SAGA

bring the body to Grimhild; and they burst open the
doors of Grimhild's chamber, and laid the body in the
bed beside her. Then Grimhild awoke; and when she
saw the wound in Sigfrid's back, and that neither helmet
nor shield were smitten, she knew he had been slain by
treachery. Hagen said a wild boar had slain him; but
Grimhild answered, "That wild boar wast thou, Hagen."
King Attila of Susa hearing that Sigfrid was dead,
and being himself a widower, sent messengers to ask
the hand :>{ Grimhild, though his wife Erka had prayed
him not to wed a wife of the Niblungs, lest it be to the
ruin of him and his folk. Now Grimhild, knowing
Attila was a mighty king, was willing to wed him, for
she thought she might so avenge the death of Sigfrid.
And after seven years she prayed him to send for her
brothers to his land, and told him of the great treasure
which Sigfrid had won from the dragon (this is the first
notice we have of the Hoard in the Thidrdc-saga), and
Attila, who was greedy of gold, was willing to ask them.
But Hagen spake to Gunther, and warned him that Grim-
hild had evil thoughts in her heart; and Queen Oda
dreamt ill dreams, and would have kept her sons back
from the journey, but Gunther was bent on going, so the
Niblungs set forth with one thousand men. When they
came to where the Rhine and the Danube meet, they had
no boat to carry them over, and must camp for the night
on the bank, and Hagen kept watch. He came on an in-
land water where certain water-maidens {meer-frauen)
were bathing, and he took their clothes as pledges, and
asked them where he could find a ship, and if their jour-

1/3

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

ney should be of good fortune; and the water-maidens
told him of a ferryman near at hand, but said their jour-
ney should bring them ill-luck, and that none of the Nib-
lungs should cross the stream again. Then Hagen slew
them for their evil tidings, and found the ferryman, and
gave him a gold ring to ferry them over ; but when they
had crossed the stream, he smote off the ferryman's head,
lest he tell Attila they had crossed in battle array. Then
they came to the land of the Margraf Rodingeir and he
and his wife Gutelinda received them with all honour,
and betrothed their daughter to Gislher, and gave rich
gifts to all the heroes, and Rodingeir rode with them to
Attila's court. Attila received the Niblungs well, and
sent Thidrek von Bern (who is dwelling as an exile at
Attila's court) to meet them; but Grimhild only asked if
her brothers had brought the Niblung gold, and Hagen
made her scornful answer; and when they asked Grim-
hild why she wept, she said it was for the death of Sig-
frid. The next morning Thidrek warned Hagen that
Grimhild meant evil towards them ; and when she prayed
the Niblungs to lay aside their armour for the feast, they
would not.

Then Grimhild prayed Thidrek to avenge her of her
wrongs, and he would not, but Irung promised to fight
for her. When they were seated at the feast, the queen
sent her young son, and bade him smite Hagen in the
face, and Hagen struck off the child's head, and so the
fight began ; and the Niblungs fought their way into the
garden, but could not pass the gates, for Grimhild had
bade them spread raw ox-hides without, so that the heroes

174

THE THIDREK-SAGA

slipped and fell when they would pass through. All that
day the Niblungs held the garden; but when night fell,
Hagen bade them break down the wall, and they made
their way into the streets, but their foes were so many
that they beat them back. Then the Niblungs called on
Thidrek von Bern to aid them ; but since Attila was his
host, he might not fight against him, but neither would
he fight against the Niblungs. Then the Huns took Gun-
ther captive and bound him, and cast him into the snake-
tower, and he was stung to death ; but Hagen fought his
way to a hall in the palace, and Gislher and Gernoz fol-
lowed him. Then Grimhild bade them set the hall on fire
over Hagen's head; but as they might not slay him^ or
drive him out, Irung came against Hagen and wounded
him, but Hagen cleft Irung in twain, and he fell, and the
road where he fell is called Irung's Way to this day.
(There seems to be a confusion with another Iring, after
whom, some traditions say, the Milky Way was called
Irings-strasse.) Markgraf Rodingeir saw that his friends
were slain, and he was very wrathful, and came against
the Niblungs, and they fought, and Gislher slew him.
When Thidrek von Bern knew that Rodingeir was slain,
he must needs avenge him ; and he and Master Hildebrand
came against the Niblungs, and Master Hildebrand felled
Gernoz and Gislher, but Thidrek and Hagen fought
long time before either would yield. Whereupon Thid-
rek grew so wrathful, that his breath was as flames of
fire, and Hagen's armour grew hot upon him, till he
could no longer bear it, and he yielded himself to Thid-
rek. (Thidrek's fiery breath is frequently referred to

175

THE NIBELUNCEN RING

in the sagas; it is a proof of his supposed demoniac
origin.)

Then Grimhild took a fiery brand and thrust it into
the mouths of Gemoz and Gislher, to see if they were
dead, and Gemoz was dead, but Gislher was not before
this, but the burning brand slew him. Now Thidrek
deemed she was a devil, and not fit to live, and smote her
astmder with his sword. And Hagen was so sorely
wounded he might not live; but when he was dying he
gave the keys of the cave where he had hidden the Nib-
lung Treasure to the maiden who had tended him, and
bade her give them to the son she should bear him. And
she bare a son, and he grew up at Attila's court, and in
due time she gave him the keys; and the lad spake to
Attila, and promised him great riches if he would come
with him to the cave. Then the king did so, and Hagen's
son shut the door upon him, and laid rocks before it, and
so Attila starved to death, and none has found the Treas-
ure to this day.

It will be sufficient here to note the more important
divergencies between this version and that of the Vol-
sunga-saga ; these are : The account of Siegfried's parent-
age, birth, and upbringing; his first meeting with Bryn-
hild, and the circumstances under which he takes Gun-
ther's place; his marriage with Grimhild, and his death.
The birth of Hagen ; the part played by Grimhild in the
destruction of the Niblungs ; and the complete change of
"motif" in the latter part of the story — it is as murderers
of Siegfried, not as possessors of the treasure, that they

176

THE THIDREK'SAGA

are slain ; the appearance of Thidrek von Bern ; the hiding
of the Niblung Hoard in a mountain cave instead of in the
Rhine; and the circumstances attending the birth of Ha-
gen's son and the death of Attila, though the "motif"
for the latter is identical with that of the Volsunga-saga.
The most remarkable feature in the Nibelungen-lied
is the ethical "motif" which has moulded the latter part
of the story, the old German conception of "Treue" as
faith and loyalty. Hagen slays Siegfried purely from
loyalty to Brunhild, his liege lady; he goes to Etzel's
court, knowing he is going to his death, through lo)ralty
to Gunther, and defends his lord and his lord's secret to
the last moment of his life. Gunther is, on his part,
equally loyal to Hagen; he will not purchase his own
safety by the sacrifice of his faithful vassal ; and the char-
acter of the Margrave Rudiger, who prefers to die at the
hands of the Nibelungs rather than break his vow to
Kriemhild, or live knowing he has betrayed his friends,
has often been held by critics to embody the most perfect
type of mediaeval chivalry. Kriemhild, too, repulsive as
she becomes towards the end of the poem, is actuated
throughout by her loyalty to Siegfried's memory. It is
this ethical significance which forms the distinctive qual-
ity of the Nibelungen-lied, and entitles it, in spite of the
revolting details of carnage and slaughter, to be consid-
ered as the finest literary presentation of the legend.

177

Chapter II.

THE RHINE-GOLD.

ARGUMENT.

The Rhine-gold, hidden 'neath the watens of the river, ie
watched by the three Rhine maidens — Woglinde, Wellgunde,
and FloBshilde. Wrought into a ring, the gold would bring
universal dominion to its possessor; but none, save one who
despises and forswears love, can weld it. The magic gold is
stolen by force from the Rhine maidens by the Nibelung,
Alberich, who has wooed them in vain, and they cry for help
to Wotan.

But the gods themselves are in danger. Desirous of building
a palace, they have called their foes, the giants, to their aid;
as reward for their labour, Wotan, trusting to Loge's (Loke's)
cunning to enable him to evade the promise, has agreed to
deliver up Freia, the goddess of youth, whose loss will bring old
age and decay upon the gods. The palace built, Fafner and
Fasolt, the giants, demand their payment; and Loge, called
upon for his promised aid, avows that though he has sought
through Heaven and Earth, he can find naught that may be
held as an equivalent for woman's worth and beauty. Then while
the gods are in suspense, seeing no way out of the difficulty, he
tells of the rape of the Rhine-gold, and how the magic ring
has been wrought by Alberich, who hopes by its means to
subdue all In Earth and Heaven to his will. The giants,
between whom and the Nibelungs a feud has long existed, are
greatly disturbed at the tidings, and finally announce that if
the gods will win for them the Hoard of the Nibelungs, they will
accept that as ransom for Freia, whom they hold as a pledge in
the meantime.

Wotan and Loge therefore descend to Nibelheim, where, by
the aid of the magic ring, Alberich is accumulating a vast
hoard of treasure, and has further employed the skill of Mime
to make for him a helmet, by the magic power of which he can
change his shape, or become invisible at will. By Loge's
cunning the gods succeed in binding the Nibelung, and refuse to
loose him till he has paid over as ransom the entire Nibelung
Hoard, together with helmet and ring. Deprived of this last,
Alberich utters a curse upon all its future possessors; it shall

178

THE RHINE-COLD

bring death and destruction to all alike, till it return once
more to his keeping.

The giants, with Freia in their power, return to claim the pro-
mised ransom, and, thrusting their staves into the earth before
the goddess, demand that the gold shall reach a height sufficient
to conceal her from view; the helmet of magic is added to the
pile; but when all the gold has been heaped together, there is
still a chink through which the eye of the goddess can be
seen. To fill this the giants demand the ring, which is now on
Wotan's hand; he at first refuses to part with it; but at the
interference of the goddess Erda, who rises from the earth to
warn him against incurring the curse invoked on the possessor
of the ring, he adds it to the pile, and the ransom is complete.
Freia is delivered up to the gods, and the curse of the ring
forthwith begins to work; Fafner claims the greater part of
the Hoard for himself, and, on Fasolt's resistance, slays him.

Donner and Froh call the spirits of the clouds together, and
a rainbow bridge spans the valley, passing over which the gods
enter Walhalla, while the wail of the Rhino maidens for their
lost gold rises from the depths beneath.

In this introduction to the Trilogy we find ourselves
at once transported to a world of mystery, a world in
which neither the bodily nor the spiritual eye can at once
see clearly, and we apprehend with difficulty alike the ac-
tions and the motives of those who dw-ell within it. Nor
is this atmosphere of mystery other than fitting for the
representation of a legend which finds its roots far back
in the earliest period of man's conscious thought and in-
complete expression ; and with which Wagner has thought
wxU to interweave the early searching^ of his race after
eternal truths, shrouded by them in obscure mythological
parables, and interpreted by him in accordance with that
system of philosophic thought most in harmony with his
genius.

The object of the Rhine-Gold is to set forth, in accord-
ance with the indications of the lej^end, such an account
of the origin of the Treasure, and of the Ring which is its

179

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

symbol, as shall explain its fatal power and render intel-
ligible the curse which pursues all who, even innocently,
possess it.

Now, in all this mysterious story which has woven
into itself so many varying threads of history and legend,
there is no more mysterious element than the Treasure
itself. Whence did it come ? Who were its original pos-
sessors? Why does it exercise so baneful an influence?
Of all the versions, the Volsunga-saga alone professes to
answer these questions, and even here the evidence is in-
complete, and we are perforce led to the conclusion that
before the legend had been transcribed, probably before
it reached its settled form, the origin of the Nibelungen
Hoard had been forgotten.

The ethical idea of which the legend is an expression
is undoubtedly that of the evil influence of gold, which,
according to old German mythology, was operative alike
on gods and men. The golden age, the time of the inno-
cence of the gods, was before they knew gold; before
the creation of the dwarf-race, who wrought the precious
metal out of the earth, and thus brought the lust of gold
and the passions of greed and avarice into the world.
This idea is deeply imbedded in German mythology, and
has been expressed under varying forms, of which un-
doubtedly the myth of the Nibelungen Hoard was origi-
nally one; therefore when Wagner, in his drama, brings
into sharp relief the fatal effects of the desire of gold,
and yet triumphantly proclaims it less powerful and less
enduring than love, he is but expressing a thought which,
from the first, was a vital and integral part of the legend.

i8o

THE RHINE-GOLD

Whence, then, came this gold, here represented as reft
from, and returning to, the bosom of the waters? The
versions of the legend give varying accounts ; in the Vol-
sunga-saga, as we see, it was originally the property of
the dwarf, Andvari, a dweller in the waters, and is taken
from him by Loke, who hands it over to Hreidmar, and
Sigurd wins it from Hreidmar's sons; the final destina-
tion of the Hoard, too, is the Rhine — thus it comes from,
and returns to, the water. In the Thidrek-saga, on the
other hand, there is no account of the original home of
the Hoard; we learn casually that Sigfrid won it from
the dragon ; but how Regin, who is here the dragon, came
into possession of it we are not told. Of the final fate of
the Treasure we have an explicit account ; it is hidden in
a mountain-cave, where it remains concealed for ever
from the sight of men. When we come to the Nibelun-
gen-lied, we find that the Treasure is originally brought
forth from a cave, and that Siegfried wins it from two
brothers, Schilbung and Nibelung, though we are not told
how they became possessed of it; its final destination is
again the Rhine.

A popular version of the Siegfried story, the Sieg-
frieds-lied, gives a different but analogous account of the
Treasure. Kriemhild has been carried off by a dragon
and imprisoned in a cave on the Drachenfels; Siegfried
slays, not only the dragon, but the giant Kuperan, who
guards the mountain, and rescues the princess. Near at
hand, in a cave, the dwarf Eugel and his brothers have
hidden the Treasure of their father, Niblung, who died
of grief when his mountain was captured by the giant

i8i

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Siegfried finds the Treasure, and, thinking it the Hoard
of the dragon, carries it off; but as Eugel has foretold
that he shall have but a short life, he reflects that the gold
will be of little use to him, and when he comes to the
Rhine he throws it into the waters.

We have here four versions of the winning and the
hiding of the Treasure ; in one instance we find it comes
from the water, in two from the earth (being found in a
cave) ; the fourth, the Thidrek-saga, gives no explicit
account of its home. The three first all agree in making
its final resting-place the Rhine, but the Thidrek-saga
again differs from them, and represents it as hidden in a
cave, i. e. it returns to the earth, and not to the water.

Now, in every case it is noticeable, tliat it is the ver-
sion, either purely German in development, or avowedly
based upon German tradition, which knows of the cave ;
the distinctively Northern variant only knows of the
water. It is perfectly true that this Northern version as
a whole is the more archaic in form, and more sugges-
tive of the mythic character underlying the legend; but
the original source is, as before said, German, and there-
fore, where the versions differ as decidedly as is here the
case, it is necessary to examine more closely into the
story before deciding that the Northern is, as a matter
of course, the nearest to the original form.

An inquiry as to w^ho were the original owners of the
Treasure is necessary before we can solve the difficulty ;
and here we find that, in three out of the four versions,
a dwarf is closely connected with it. In the Volsunga-
saga it is taken from Andvari, and is his rightful prop-

182

THE RHINE-GOLD

erty; in the Nibelungen-lied it is guarded by Alberich as
the servant, first of the Nibelung brothers, then of Sieg-
fried; in the Siegfrieds-lied it is the property of Eugel
and his brothers. Further, in two out of these three in-
stances a giant is also connected with it; in the Nibelun-
gen-lied twelve giants help the Nibelungs to defend the
Hoard, and a giant assists Alberich to guard the Treas-
ure for Siegfried. Though the Volsunga-saga mentions
no giant, yet the description of Fafnir as "the greatest
and grimmest of Hreidmar's sons, who would have all
things according to his will," is distinctly suggestive of
his giant origin ; and when Wagner in the drama repre-
sented him as a giant, he probably, as we shall see is often
the case, instinctively reverted to the true form of the
story.

If we turn to Northern mythology, we shall find that
dwarf and giant alike are closely connected with each
other and with the earth ; the world itself w^as said to be
formed out of the flesh of the giant Ymir, the first father
of the race; and according to the Edda the dwarfs were
the maggots which bred in the flesh of the giant, and
were endowed by the gods with the shape and mind of
men ; another account represents them as formed directly
out of the earth. Their dwelling is in rocks and in the
earth, and from it they make gold.

It is, of course, true that the sea-dwellers, mermen and
maidens and their kings, are also held to possess great
treasures ; but even there the gold is heaped up in caves,
and belongs rather to the bed of the sea than the sea
itself, to the earth rather than the water. On the whole,

183

THE NiBELVNCEIf RING

It seems more in accordance with the indications of the
legend to believe that originally the home of the Nibelun-
gen Hoard was a mountain-cave, and its owner a dwarf,
who most probably intrusted the guardianship of the
Treasure to a giant, by whose death it was won; the
dwarf himself does not seem to have been slain.

Who, then, are the Nibelungs, from whom the Hoard
eventually takes its name? Certainly not the rightful
owners; in every version they are subject to the curse,
equally with the hero ; and in whatever form we find them
they suffer defeat, loss, and death. It is very difficult to
discover who these Nibelungs originally are, from the
fact that the name clings to the Treasure, and is transferr-
ed to its possessors for the time being ; thus, in the Vol-
sunga-saga, the Gibichungs become Niflungs after they
are possessed of the Treasure by Sigurd's death; in
the Nibelungen-lied, Siegfried and his men are Nibelungs
after they have won the Hoard from the original bearers
of the name, while, at the end of the poem, the title is
transferred to the Burgundians, the last owners of the
gold. In the Thidrek-saga, Aldrian and his sons are Nib-
elungs throughout. It will be noticed that the name
clings with strange persistency to the royal family into
which Siegfried marries and through whom he comes to
his death; the reason seems to be that, though not now
the representatives of the original Nibelungs of the prim-
itive legend, they have retained certain of their character-
istics, and have become closely interwoven with a per-
sonality which is certainly part of the original myth.

The name undoubtedly comes from the same root as

184

The RHINE'GOLb

Nifl-heim and Nifl-hell, the lowest of the nine worlds
of Northern mythology, the home of mist and darkness,
and abode of departed spirits ; and it clearly indicates the
other world origin of the bearers of the name and one
source of the fatal influence of the Treasure ; for even had
it not been cursed by its rightful owner, the very fact of
its having been won from the under-world would make it
a dangerous possession. The bearers of the name who
committed the first theft of the gold were probably a
father and two, or perhaps three, sons. In the Volsunga-
saga it is Hreidmar and his sons Fafnir and Regfin; in
the Nibelungen-lied it is the two brothers Schilbung and
Nibelung, and the gold to be divided has generally befen
held to have been their inheritance from their father; in
the Siegfrieds-lied we have Eugel and his brothers —
their father, Niblung, is dead. The Thidrek-saga, though
so scanty in indication, has two brothers, Mimir and
Regin, both of whom Sigfrid slays, and from one of
whom he wins the Treasure. This regular recurrence of
father and sons as owning the Treasure before it comes
into the hero's hands cannot be a merely accidental coin-
cidence, and the explanation seems to be that in them we
have a survival of the original Niblungs or Niflungs, be-
ings of evil origin, who reft the gold from its right-
ful owner, and by so doing themselves fell victims
to the curse which pursues all who become possessed
of it. The manner in which the curse affects the hero
himselfiwill be discussed when we come to the closing
scenes of the drama ; on Siegfried it appears to work in-
directly, but directly on his murderers, whose death, as

13 185

/

THE NIBELVNGEN RING

related in the Volsunga-saga, was undoubtedly at first
due to their possession of the fatal gold.

As to the final destination of the Treasure, the legend
which represents it as being cast into the Rhine is prob-
ably correct; to throw it into the water would be the
speediest means of restoring it to the powers of the under
world, to whom it undoubtedly belonged. That the
Thidrek-saga g^ves a different version is easily to be ac-
counted for by the fact that the compiler knew, and fol-
lowed, both Northern and German tradition ; having fol-
lowed the Volsunga-saga by making Siegfried win the
gold from the dragon, he preserved the German version
by altering its ultimate fate; such instances of transposi-
tion are not unusual. On the whole, the evidence seems
to point to the fact that Wagner's version, poetical as it
imdoubtedly is, does not represent the true origin of the
Hoard, and that the Rhine was not the cradle, though it
was the final-resting place, of the fatal gold.

But leaving the baleful Treasure, let us now turn to the
consideration of the feud between the gods and the giants,
so vividly depicted in the drama. All students of German
mythology know that the giants were the first of the un-
earthly races to come into existence, that their character
and influence are represented as distinctly evil, and that
they are the deadly enemies of the Asas, the gods who
dwell in Asgard, who have overcome the giants and suc-
ceeded to their power. The story of the building of
Walhalla, as given in the Rhine-Gold, is based upon the
myth of Swadilfari, which runs as follows : —

After the gods had built Midgard and Walhalla (which

i86

THE RHINE-GOLD

according to m)rthology, they built themselves) a certain
master-builder came to them, and offered to build them a
Burg which should serve as defence against the giants,
asking as reward the goddess Freyja, and the sun and
moon. The gods held counsel together, and at Loke's
advice, promised to give him what he asked, provided
that the Burg was built within the winter months, and
that no man should aid him; were one stone lacking on
the first summer day, he should forfeit all reward. The
builder consented to the terms on condition that he might
have the aid of his horse, Swadilfari, to which the gods
readily agreed ; but they were astonished when they saw
the size of the blocks which the horse bare to the build-
ing, and how it did half as much work again as the man,
and as the winter passed on and the Burg grew taller and
taller, they became fearful of the ending of the matter.
At last it wanted but three days to summer, and the Burg
was finished all but the doorway ; then the gods called upon
Loke to aid them, since it was by his counsel they had
made the contract. So Loke changed himself into a mare,
and when the builder led his horse in the evening to col-
lect stones for the next day's work, the mare ran out of
the wood and neighed to the horse ; and when the horse
Swadilfari heard it, it brake the halter and ran into the
wood after the mare, and the builder must needs chase
the horse all night, and could not catch it, so he gathered
together no stones, and the next day he did no work, and
the Burg could not be finished in time. So when the
builder saw this he flew into a great rage, and the gods
knew that this was one of their foes, the mountain-giants

187

THE NIBELVNGEN RING

who had tried to betray them ; and they called on Thor,
and he came with his hammer and struck the giant on
the head and slew him, and he fell down to Nifl-heim.

With this myth Wagner has apparently connected an-
other, which tells how Loke, having fallen into the pow-er
of the giant Thjasse, wins his freedom by promising to
betray the goddess Idun and her apples of youth into
Thjasse's hands. This he does, and the gods discover the
loss of Idun by finding themselves grow old and grey-
headed. They inquire into the matter, and find out that
Loke is, as usual, the source of the mischief, and there-
fore order him, on pain of death, to bring back Idun.
This he promises to do if Freyja will lend him her falcon-
dress, in which disguise he flees to Jotunheim, the abode
of the pants, and carries oflf Idun in the shape of a nut
or a swallow (there are two accounts).

The form of Freyja's ransom from the giants is, of
course, based upon the account of Loke's ransom in the
Volsunga-saga, which, alone of all the versions, directly
connects the gods with the Nil^elungen Hoard, though in
the legend, having promptly given up gold and ring, they
are in no way affected by the curse. Still, as mythology
distinctly connects the fall of the gods, the Gotterdam-
merung and Weltenuntergang (from which catastrophe,
however, gods and men alike are to arise renewed, puri-
fied, and restored to their original innocence), with the
love of gold. Wagner can hardly be deemed to have ex-
ercised too much poetical license in representing them as
closely concerned in the fate of the Treasure, and follow-
ing with the keenest interest the fortunes of the race des-
tined to win it from its evil possessors. But inasmuch as

i88

THE RHINE-GOLD

these mythological events form no part of the original
legend, it is unnecessary to examine them critically in or-
der to see whether the version given by Wagner does or
does not represent the original form of the story; it is
sufficient for the comprehension of the drama to indicate
the sources from which they are drawn.

The building of the rainbow-bridge by the gods them-
selves is in accordance with the mythological tradition;
according to this, the rainbow binds heaven and earth to-
gether, and ever it the gods ride daily to their seat of
judgment by Urd's Brunnen, the spring which waters the
roots of the world-ash, Ygdrassil. The home of the gods
is in Asgard, with its twelve Himmels-burgen ; of these,
according to the Grimnersmal, a song found in the Edda,
Gladsheim is the fifth, and within Gladsheim is Walhalla,
where Odin has his high seat. Of the dwellers in Wal-
halla we will speak more fully further on ; here it is suffi-
cient to say that the root of the name is the word Wal,
signifying choice; the slain in war are the elect, chosen
of Odin, hence a very general name for a battlefield is
Wal-statt or Wal-platz.

With this entrance of the gods into Walhalla, Wagner
closes the introduction to his Trilogy ; the Himmels-burg
is built, and the giants are baffled ; but the love of gold
has already touched with baleful hands the gods, the
golden age of their innocence is over ; their solemn pledge
has been evaded, the fatal theft is accomplished, and the
curse has already begun its work. How the evil destiny
unrolls itself with relentless force, till it involves gods
and men alike in one common ruin, is told in the suc-
ceeding drama. ^g^^

Chapter III.

THE VALKYRIE.

ARGUMENT.

SiBOLiirDE, daughter of Wftlsing, has been carried off by
robbers, her father and brother, as she believes, slain, and she
herself married against her will to Hunding.

To the forest-dwelling of Hunding and Sieglinde there comes
a fugitive outlaw, overcome by conflict and weariness, in whom
Sieglinde finally recognizes Siegmund, her twin-brother, and the
predestined winner of the sword, Nothung, which at her wed-
ding-feast a mysterious stranger had thrust up to the hilt in the
trunk of the tree which supports their dwelling, and which can
only be withdrawn by the bravest of men. Siegmund witiidraws
the sword with ease, claims Sieglinde alike as sister and bride,
and the two fly together.

Wotan, in view of the inevitable conflict between Hunding
and Siegmund, summons Brflnnhilde, the Valkyrie, and bids
her give the victory to Siegmund; but Fricka demands ven-
geance on the W&lsing, who had outraged the sanctity of the
marriage vow, and, when Wotan resists, upbraids him with his
own infldelity, Siegmund being, in truth, Wotan's son; against
his will Wotan yields, and revokes his commands to BrUnnhilde.
The Valksrrie adjures him to give the reason for this change of
purpose, and Wotan tells her of the fatal spell of the Nibelung
Ring, which, till it is restored to its original owners, the Rhine-
maidens must be a source of danger to the gods. Should
Alberich recover possession of it, he, who by cursing Love had
succeeded in welding the Ring, can use its magic runes with
fatal effect against the gods, and so bring about their total ruin.

Wotan himself is powerless to recover the talisman, having
given it as payment for services to the giants, of whom the sur-
vivor, Fafnir, holds it. It can only be won by a hero who, un-
conscious of the spell and unaided by the gods, to whose law and
favour he is a stranger, is driven by his own necessity to the task.

Such a hero Wotan has thought to flnd m Siegmund, the
outlaw, defiant alike of the laws of gods and men; but Fricka
has detected the truth that Siegmund is, in fact, no free agent,
Wotan's will having been the moving power of his actions. It
was Wotan who was his father, Wotan who had prepared the

190

THE VALKYRIE

magic Bword, Nothung, and Wotan who had led Slegmund to
the dwelling of Sieglinde. Therefore Siegmund is ineligible for
the task which the gods had assigned to him, and Wotan, his
purpose penetrated by Fricka, must yield him up to her wilL
BHinnhilde, however, moved by admiration for Siegmund's
dauntless bearing and love for Sieglinde, resolves to defy
Wotan's expressed will and fulfill his hidden wish, by shielding
Siegmund in the conflict Wotan, however, interposes in wrath
at her disobedience, the sword, Nothung, shivers on the spear
of the god, and Siegmund falls, slain by Hunding. Brfinnhilde
flies with Sieglinde, who saves herself and her unborn child
by taking refuge in the wood where Fafnir, in dragon form,
watches over the Nibelungen Hoard.

The Valkyrie remains to brave the wrath of Wotan. In
punishment for her disobedience the god banishes her from
Walhalla, deprives her of her divinity, and condemns her to
wed the mortal who shall rouse her from her magic slumber
into which he will cast her. Brflnnhilde beseeches that none
save the bravest hero on earth (whom she forsees will be the
son of Siegmund) shall waken her, and with this view entreats
Wotan to defend her slumber by surrounding her with flre which
none but the bravest may pass. Wotan yields, and, kissing her
on the brow, he robs her of divinity and casts her into a slumber;
then, striking his stafl^ on the rock, flames spring up around the
Valkyrie, amid which Wotan vanishes.

No longer in the water depths of the Rhine, or the
cloudland home of the gods, the world to which the first
day of the Trilogy introduces us is scarcely less myste-
rious than either ; so primaeval are its conditions, so lax
its moral conceptions, so superhuman the force of the
passions which rend and tear the dwellers within it. In
truth, this Earth of the "Ring" drama is not merely the
meeting-ground for gods and men, but is also the stage in
which the fate common to both is to be worked out ; and
even as they share one fate, so are they partakers of one
nature ; and would we understand their actions, we must
bear in mind the fact that this world is not as our world,
nor are these dwellers in it. men and women as we
are. Intensely human are they, and yet super-humain;

191

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

their characters and passions have a Titanic force and
grandeur like the force of a mountain-torrent that scat-
ters all around in chaotic confusion ere it makes for itself
the channel in which its current may flow peacefully.
History bears abundant witness to the force of the devel-
oped manhood of the Anglo-Saxon and Teutonic races;
Legend records the struggles of their undeveloped child-
hood.

In the Valkyrie, Wagner gives us the tragic history of
the parents of the real hero of the drama, Siegfried ; and
here, with one important alteration — ^that of making Sieg-
fried, instead of Sinfiotli, the child of the Volsung pair
— ^he has closely followed the version of the Volsunga-
saga. Whether this episode really belonged to the orig-
inal Siegfried-saga seems doubtful; and it is still more
doubtful that Wagner's version represents the original
facts. Such a parentage would not be out of keeping
with the hero's mythical origin, but it does seem to stand
outside the formula characterising the birth and up-
bringing of that special family of Aryan heroes to which
Siegfried belongs.

In any case the story of Siegmund and Sieglinde (or
Signy, as she is named in the Volsungp-saga)^ bears
marks of very high antiquity ; and, though distinctly re-
pellent to our ideas as told in the saga, and even more
so as represented by Wagner, it loses on close examina-
tion much of its repulsive character.

^Wagner probably changed the name of SIgny to Sieglinde on account
of the latter bemg the name given by the Nibelungen-lled to Siegfried's
mother. Rassman considers Sieglinde to be one of the names of Bryn-
bild as identified with Hilde. The manner in which the personalities of
early mythology dissolve into each other is highly perplexing, and in most
Instances it seems better to adhere to the characters as represented In the
legend, without trying to trace them to their original mythic source.

192

THE VALKYRIE

Northern mythology, in ccxnmon with other systems,
appears originally to have regarded its deities as bisex-
ual, uniting the male and female principle (an example of
this will be found in the account of the giant Ymir, who,
as a deity, precedes both the Vans and Asas) ; at a later
period we find the two separate and existing side by side
as male and female counterparts of the same idea^ and in
this form they seem to have been considered alike as
brother and sister, husband and wife; i. e. they are two
and yet one being — in fact, varying manifestations of
the same principle. Thus Freyr and Freyja, who are
themselves children of a brother and sister, Niordhr and
Nerthus, seem originally both to have represented the
power of spring: Freyr, the active, quickening principle
(who became afterwards a sun-god), and Freyja the re-
sponsive, the blossom and foliage which are drawn out
by the genial warmth of spring. Brother and sister, they
were also, Simrock considers, at one time husband and
wife. (Is it not possible that this special instance was
in Wagner's mind when he composed the exquisite "Lenz-
lied," which certainly gains in beauty and significance
if regarded in this light?) In the same way we find that
in German the Sun (feminine) is coupled with the (mas-
culine) Day, and the Moon (masculine) with the (fem-
inine) Night.

In this connection the instance of Isis and Osiris read-
ily recurs to the mind, and Nerthus, mentioned above, has
very many traits in common with Isis.

Now, German m)rthology knows a succession of dei-
ties, the first being the giants, who are considered as an

193

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

evil principle, and who as noted above were, at least in
the first instance, bisexual. To them succeeded the Vans,
a kindly race who seem to have been practically the
powers of Nature personified; after a struggle with the
Asas, who were originally of a more abstract and spir-
itual character, the Vans made peace with these latter,
and were admitted into their ranks. The dominant gods
of mythology, as we know it in its latest form, are Asas ;
but certain of the original Vans, such as Frey and Freyja,
mentioned above, hold high rank among them.

We are distinctly told, as a characteristic of these Vans,
that they held marriage between brother and sister to be
lawful, whereas the Asas forbade it, and dissolved such
unions before admitting the partners in them into their
ranks; a parable clothing the natural course of mythc^-
logical development. There seems to be very little doubt
that Siegmund and Signy, in the Volsunga-saga, were in
their origin such a divine pair; we are expressly told that
they were twins, i. c. they were originally one being, and
their survival in the saga seems to be due to a reminis-
cence of this older and practically extinct race of gods.
The saga regards them as it is as descendants of Odin,
and therefore of superhuman nature, and their whole
story is cast in a superhuman mould. It must be admit-
ted that such characters lose the more, the more they are
euhemerised; to represent them as mortals is to run the
risk of making them repulsive; they must be influenced
by some force extraneous to themselves, be it Passion,
or be it Fate, the irresistible power of which we ourselves
as spectators acknowledge, before, as men and women, we

194

THE VALKYRIE

can cordially accept and sympathise with them. The
compiler of the Volsunga-saga seems instinctively to have
felt this, when he represented Signy as practically em-
bodied revenge. Considering the sanctity of the tie of
blood, Sippe, among the Northern nations, and the
treachery of which the Volsungs have been the victims,
Signy's conduct, even though she sacrifices her woman-
hood and the natural feelings of a mother to her venge-
ance, is perfectly intelligible ; and the final scene in which,
her task accomplished, she chooses death with the hus-
band she has betrayed rather than life with Siegmund,
goes far towards mitigating the natural horror we feel
for her conduct. Utterly outside all possible conceptions
of womanhood, Signy is yet one of the most awful and
imposing figures in the whole roll of Helden-saga.

At the same time, the companion of her vengeance,
Siegmund, never loses his hold on our sympathy ; his con-
duct is perfectly natural and legitimate throughout, and
in the most repulsive feature of the situation he is an
unconscious agent. It is Signy's overwhelming passion
for revenge which dominates and explains the whole sit-
uation; she, in fact, has remained superhuman, while
Siegmund has become human.

When, however, we examine the situation in the
Valkyrie, we find that the whole "motif" is changed — it
is no longer Passion, but Fate, which is the determining
factor in the situation ; and into this idea of Fate Wag-
ner has introduced a complexity of thought which, unless
the actors are able by the force of their own personality
to enlist on their side the S3rmpathies of the audience,

195

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

must, by its very difficulty of comprehension, go near to
wrecking the situation; emphasizing, while it fails to
explain, the repellant nature of their conduct.

The idea that Siegmund can only carry out the task,
for which he has been born, by being independent of all
laws, human and divine, and becoming practically a law
unto himself, is undoubtedly a fine conception, but one
which, at this early stage of the drama, it is not easy to
g^asp; and the extremely complex character assigned to
Wotan makes it difficult for us to regard him, himself
helpless in the grasp of Fate, as being really the opera-
tive agent in the* conduct of Siegmund and Sieglinde.

This difficulty was really inherent in the nature of the
task which Wagner set himself. German mythology, in
the form in which we possess it, is highly complicated and
marked by distinct stages of evolution in the conception
of its characters. Wagner, in order to provide an ethical
background to his drama, and one which in essence and
origin was curiously in harmony with his philosophical
views, was compelled to compress these stages within the
narrow limits of time required by the action, and this has
inevitably increased the difficulty of understanding situ-
ations which require a clear grasp of the primaeval, one
may say pre-ethical, character of the actors. When we
study this wonderful Siegfried legend in all its ramifica-
tions, tracing it back through historical development to
mythical source, we feel that the task of giving adequate
dramatic form to that alone would tax the power of gen-
ius to its utmost; but to treat it, as Wagner did, with
philosophical developments based upon the most obscure

196

THE VALKYRIE

and mystical aspect of Northern mythology was a task
which no mind but his could have conceived, and no gen-
ius but his dared attempt. It is no lack of appreciation
which compels one to admit that even Wagner was at
times scarcely equal to the colossal demands of such a
work, and that there are moments when the execution
falls short of the conception, and the outward form fails
to convey to our minds all that the dramatist would have
had it express. Not only do we find that Sieglinde is in
dramatic interest distinctly inferior to her protot)rpe
Signy, but we also feel that the wrongs inflicted upon her
by Hunding are not in themselves of a nature to justify
her conduct. True, he has purchased her from robbers and
married her against her will, but in those primitive times
such conduct was hardly exceptional, much less unforgiv-
able; and there is a certain rough chivalry in Hunding's
treatment of Siegmund, and observance of the claims of
Gast-recht, which makes the latter's flight with the wife
of his host bear a disagreeably treacherous aspect. One
is not surprised at Hunding's pursuit of the pair, and it
certainly rather destroys sympathy with the hero, and sor-
row at his fate, to have a lurking feeling that, after all,
he deserved it ! Lovers of the Volsunga-saga, and those
familiar with Morris's magnificent poetical rendering of
the episode, will hardly be willing to accept the actors in
the Valkyrie as an adequate representation of the heroic
Volsung brother and sister.

The remark made by Hunding as to the glittering
worm which glances from the eyes alike of Siegmund
and Sieglinde, shows that Wagner knew the Ragnar-

197

THE NIBELUNCEN RING

Lodbrok-saga, which connects the story of Sigurd with
the royal house of Norway. In this saga Aslog, the
daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild, in danger of being di-
vorced from her husband, King Ragnar-Lodbrok, on ac-
count of her supposed peasant origin, prophesies to her
husband that the child about to be bom to them shall
bear a dragon in (or around) his eyes, which shall be a
proof of his descent from the great Dragon-slayer; a
prophecy which is fulfilled, and the nobility of Aslog's
birth thereby established. In the saga the significance of
the Schlangcn-auge is obvious : " Wurm im Auge tragt
nur andem Wurmes Todter;" but here, inasmuch as the
slaying of the Dragon is still to come, the allusion loses
somewhat of its force.

The tree in the midst of Hunding's hut is, of course,
the Branstock, which finds a mythological counterpart
in the uppermost boughs of the Ash Ygdrassil, which
grows up through the centre, and overshadows the roof
of Walhalla. Wagner has far more closely connected
the origin of the Volsungs with Wotan, whom he makes
identical with Walse, and therefore the immediate father
of the race. The sword thrust into the Branstock appears
to have been, in the original legend, Odin's own sword ;
we find from mythology that the god was in the habit of
lending his weapons, sword, spear, and occasionally his
mantle and steed, to those heroes whom he especially fa-
voured. The sword episode necessarily loses somewhat
of its original force in the drama, by reason of the rapid-
ity of the action, which makes Siegmund win the weapon
which he has been promised shall aid him in his greatest

198

THE VALKYRIE

need, only to find it fail him. In the legend he retains it
throughout a long life, and it is only when, having
reached an advanced age, it is time that the favour of the
war-god be transferred to a younger hero (a feature
which frequently recurs in Northern legend), that the
weapon breaks. In the Volsunga-saga the sword is called
"Gram," which signifies "wrath," according to Rass-
mann, because it is Odin's anger alone which breaks it;
the name given in the Nibelungen-lied to Siegfried's
sword, "Balmung," he considers signifies "destruction,"
and is rather indicative of the death-dealing power of the
weapon. The account given by Siegfmund of his and his
father's wanderings in the woods, and the name by which
he calls himself, Wolfing, recall the strange were-wolf
episode in the story of Sieg^und and Sinfiotli, a feature
which is held by critics to denote the extremely early date
of this part of the legend. Wagner was doubtless aware
of the interesting character of this feature of the story,
and unwilling to drop it altogether.

It may here be well to pause a little before following
the course of the drama further, and discuss the character
of the god who plays so prominent a part in Wagner's
version of the Siegfried-myth, a character by no means
easy of comprehension. It would, however, be unfair to
charge all the obscurity and difficulty which surrounds
Wotan to Wagner's account, for much is inherent in the
nature of the god as primarily conceived by the Northern
folk. At the root of his being lies the element of Air:
a feature in most early mythologies is the recurring Tril-
ogy of Deities, based upon the three elements — ^Air,

199

TH£ NIBELUNCEN RINC

Water, and Fire; the fourth. Earth, seems always to
have been regarded as feminine, the mother-element, and
as such wooed, and dominated, now by one elementary
power, now by another. To the Air, the most universally
pervading of the three, the primary place in the Trilogy
was assigned; and, natural and spiritual conceptions be-
ing closely bound up together, the god of the Air, at least
in German mythology, assumed a double character, best
understood perhaps by reference to the Greek word
pneuma, with its double signification of breath and spirit.
Thus to Northern minds Odin was not only the god of the
Air, whose eyes were the Sun and Moon (from whence
he also assumed at one time the character of a sun-god),
but was also the embodiment of the spirit, Gemiith, of
the Northern folk; and this national spirit being essen-
tially a warlike one, he was also depicted as a war-god,
and the sword and spear belong to him in this character.
Closely connected with the more spiritual conception is
also that which personified Odin in three aspects — the
Trilogy of Odin, Wili, and We, the second of which re-
gards him as the Will.

The original name, Odhin, Northern, Wuotan, German,
seems to be derived from a word signifying "penetra-
ting movement," which now survives in the narrower
form, of waten, to wade ; so that the primary conception
of this, the principal god of Northern mythology, may be
summed up as the all-pervading spirit of Nature. This
original idea, however, became in process of time consid-
erably modified ; certain of Odin*s characteristics were, if
not altogether passed over to, at least largely shared in

200

THE VALKYRIE

by, other gods. Thus we early lose sight of him as the
Sun-god, Baldur and Freyr having here taken his place
(a point which we shall have occasion to enlarge upon
later) ; in fact, the early conception of Odin as a nature
god seems in great measure to have given way to the con-
ception of Odin as a spiritual god, the embodiment of the
spirit of the Germanic peoples. Wagner has fully
grasped this idea, as is seen in the words in which Fricka
reproaches Wotan for his attempt to free himself from
responsibility for Sieg^und's conduct. "Was Hehres
sollten Helden je wirken das ihren Gottem verwehrt,
deren Gunst in ihnen nur wirkt ?" "Ihres eignen Muthes
achtest du nicht." "Wer hauchte Menschen ihn ein?"
Fricka's question can have but one answer: Odin, or
Wotan, alone, was the animating spirit in those heroes;
the more valiant they were, the more completely were
they the instruments of his will, his Wunschsohne.

It is necessary to understand this fundamental idea of
mythology in order to appreciate the full difficulty of
Wotan's position in the drama; he is attempting to do
that which the very essence of his being renders it impos-
sible for him to do.

And here we must remember that omnipotence was
not a characteristic of these Northern gods ; the men who
wove this wonderful web recognised that there were con-
tingencies which even their gods could not avert ; behind
all this glittering assembly of gods, giants, elves, and
heroes brooded in the background a power dominant over
gods and men alike — ^the power of Fate. It is this which
gives so weird and mysterious a character to Northern

14 201

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

mythology ; the gradual declension of the gods, the Gott-
erdammerung and Weltenuntergan^, are inevitable, and
the gods themselves know this. They can put off the evil
day by chaining Loke and his monstrous sons, the Fenris
wolf and the Midgard serpent ; they can, with the aid of
men, protect themselves by hindering the building of the
ship, Naglfar, and providing the leather for the shoe of
Widar, with w^hich he shall overcome the Fenris wolf;
they can collect the spirits of the valiant slain in Walhalla,
to form their army in the last struggle ; but the day of the
great conflict is bound to come, and they know that in
that conflict many of them, and all mankind save two,
must fall; but for the survivors there shall arise out of
the ruins of the old a new Heaven and a new Earth, and
gods and men will alike be restored to their primaeval
innocency.

Sundry mysterious songs in the Edda treat of the con-
duct of the gods, especially Odin, in face of the warnings
of the coming catastrophe; and we shall find that Wagner
throughout has very closely followed the mythological
indications. It is true that, in mythology, the Nibelun-
gen Hoard is in no way connected with the danger
which threatens the gods, but, as we remarked before,
there is no doubt that their ruin is brought about, at least
partially, by their love of gold ; and further, we find that
the death of Baldur is one of the tokens of the coming
storm: and, as we shall see, Siegfried, on whose death,
in the drama, the Gotterdammerung closely follows, is
undoubtedly an incarnation of the Sun-god, Odin, Baldur,
or Freyr. If we, therefore, keep this mythological under-

202

THE VALKYRIE

current well in view, we shall find the various parts of the
puzzle fit together easily, and the unity of thought under-
lying the seeming confusion of this wonderful drama be-
comes clearly apparent.

Returning to the action of the drama, we find that the
most noticeable departure from the original legend, and
one which cannot be considered otherwise than as a dra-
matic gain, is the connection of the Valkyrie, Briinnhilde
(or Brynhild) with the fate of the parents of the hero;
in no version of the legend does she appear save as con-
nected with Siegfried himself, and in the Volsunga-saga
alone is her previous history hinted at; but without the
knowledge of some such history her character in both
Thidrek-saga and Nibelungen-lied is incomprehensible,
and Wagner evidently recognised this when he adhered
to the Northern rather than to the German version of the
story. The Valkyrie, the warlike maidens of Northern
mythology, are familiar figures in poetry and legend;
themselves the elect of Odin, it is their mission to carry
into effect his will upon the battlefields of earth, to shel-
ter those chosen for victory, to conduct the spirits of the
valiant slain to Walhalla. But they do not always appear
in the same form. Nor are they always of identical ori-
gin ; in fact, we meet with them under at least three dis-
tinct aspects. They may be of directly divine origin, in
which form they seem to be simply a multiplication of the
goddess Freyja, who not only appears occasionally as
Odin's wife (and therefore identical with Fricka or
Frigg), but is in this character also chooser and sharer
of the slain — one-half belonging to her, and one-half to

203

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Odin ; i. e. she is also a war-goddess. As mentioned be-
fore, Freyr and Freyja are really nature gods, Vanen-
gotter, who have been adopted into the ranks of the Asas ;
Freyja has, in consequence, been separated from her hus-
band-brother and her original character obscured. She is
also represented as being cup-bearer to the gods, an office
in which she again appears as identical with tlie Valkyrie,
who act as cupbearers to the Einherier, the heroic dwell-
ers in Walhalla.

Again, the Valkyrie appear as swan-maidens, in which
character they are not necessarily of divine origin. In the
lay known as "Brynhild's Hell-reid'' we find her saying
that King Agnar had stolen the swan-skins of herself
and her seven sisters, and so forced her to yield to his
love and become his victory-bringer. Brynhild is there-
fore, apparently, a swan-maiden.

But the Valkyrie could also be of distinctly earthly ori-
gin ; king's daughters who devoted themselves to warlike
deeds and perpetual maidenhood might be received into
their ranks. It is such who, strictly speaking, are Odin's
IVtmsch-mddchen, his adopted daughters (as Simrock
renders the term), even as the dwellers in Valhalla are his
Wunchrsohne ; it is the mission of both alike to carrv out
All-Father's will, and in so doing to find their reward.
But should one of these Valkyrie fall in love with and
marry a mortal, she loses her power ; this we find in the
case of one of the most famous of the sisterhood, Sigrun,
daughter of King Hogni, who weds Helgi (son of Sig-
mund, and half-brother to Sigurd), whose story is the
basis of the famous Lencwe legend. Before marriage she

204

THE VALKYRIE

can bestow victory on the favoured hero, but, once his
wife, her power to protect him is gone.

In this lay of Sigrun we have a curious indication of
another power apparently possessed by the Valkyrie, i. e.
that of raising the dead slain in battle to life again, and
thus indefinitely prolonging the struggle. Sigrun is here
identified with Hilde, whose name, signifying "War,"
has became a component part of many German names;
Simrock considers Hilde, who is practically the German
war-goddess, to be identical with Freyja, the original
Valkyrie, and also to be incarnated in Brynhild.

The feature of the dead being reawakened to life
during the night after a battle also occurs in Celtic tra-
dition, and is found in romances connected with the Grail
myth ; but here the agent is no longer a fair maiden, but
a hideous hag, or "Carlin." The number of the Valkyrie
varies, but it is generally seven, nine, or twelve, though
in the lay already alluded to, "Brynhild's Hell-reid," we
find eight. Of these Brynhild is one of the most famous,
though it is not very easy to determine whether she was
of really divine origin, as Wagner represents her, or of
mortal birth, a Valkyrie by virtue of her virginity.

The account of her first meeting with Sigurd, and her
awakening upon Hind fell, in the Volsunga-saga, is taken
from the "Lay of Sigrdrifa," where the awakened maiden
tells Sigurd how, in punishment for her having given the
victory to King Agnar in opposition to Odin, who had
elected the veteran Hjalm-gunnar, the god had smitten
her with the sleep-thorn, deprived her of the power of
bestowing victory, and condemned her to wed a mortal,

205

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

though he had respected her vow to wed no man who had
known fear. Here Sigrdrifa, who is also a wise-woman,
a prophetess, and a teacher of runes, is evidently of un-
earthly origin ; and in the "Hell-reid" Brynhild distinctly
identifies herself with this character, and explains how it
was that King Agnar forced her to disobey Odin, namely,
by the theft of her swan-shift.

But when we come to Sigurd's second meeting with
Brynhild, we find her as the mortal maiden, the King's
daughter, and Heimir's ward.

And it is in this character as the mortal Valkvrie,
whose power depends on her maidenhood, that the Ger-
tnan legend knows her. The fact seems to be that the
Volsunga-saga has combined in one the stories of two
Valkyrie, of different origin — one divine, one mortal.

The punishment awarded to the disobedient Briinnhilde
undoubtedly symbolises the punishment of death. Ac-
cording to Grimm, the flames which surround the sleep-
ing Valkyrie are the flames of the funeral pyre (Scheiter-
haufen), which was customarily hung round with shields
and costly hangings, and might therefore well be depicted
as a Schildburg. The fact that the pyre was interwoven
with thorns, and kindled with a thorn-branch, and the
idea that death was but a slumber from which the soul
awoke to new life, gave rise to the expression of the
sleep-thorn. In another mythological legend we find the
gods cast into a deep sleep by a thorn-branch, which is
wielded by the god of Night.

That Brynhild's awakening really typifies the visit of
the hero to the other world will be shown later on.

206

THE VALKYRIE

VVotan's concluding invocation of Loge is easily un-
derstood when we remember that in the Trilogy of
Northern gods, as Air lies at the basis of Odin's or Wo-
tan's personality, so does Fire at that of Loke or Loge.
In the double character of Fire, proverbially "a good ser-
vant, but a bad master," we have the explanation of the
double part which Loke plays in mythological legends.
When the gods are ruled by his advice, he invariably
misleads and betrays them; but when, driven to desper-
ation, they force him by threats to find a way out of the
impasse he himself has brought about, he is always equal
to the occasion.

On the whole, the character assigned to Loke is decid-
edly evil ; and in the fact that he and the monsters who
owe their birth to him are the real elements of danger to
gods and men alike, and it is their breaking their bonds
which will bring about the final catastrophe of the Gott-
erdammerung, we find a testimony to the antiquity of the
belief that the world will finally be destroyed by the agency
of Fire.

207

Chapter IV.
SIEGFRIED.

ARGUMENT.

Siegfried, the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde, has been brought
up in the forest by the dwarf Mime, who intends to use
Siegfried as his instrument in recovering for him the Nibelung
Hoard and Ring. The great obstacle in the way of his carrying
out his plan is his failure to forge a suitable weapon, Siegfried
at once breaking in pieces every sword Mime can make. In-
dignant at these repeated failures, Siegfried at last wrings from
Mime the confession that his mother, dying, had intrusted him
with the fragments of Nothung, Siegmund's sword, and Siegfried
bids him weld these fragments anew; Mime knows himself to
be unequal to the task, and yet knows that no other weapon
will serve for the slasring of Fafnir.

Wotan, in the guise of the Wanderer, appears to Mime; and
in a riddling contest, in which each stakes his head on the
successful solving of three questions, forces from Mime the
confession of his failure, and then reveals to him that Nothung
can only be forged anew by one to whom fear is unknown.

On Siegfried's return, Mime admits his inability to fulfill the
task, and bids the lad attempt it himself, which he does with
success. Mime, having vainly endeavored to extort a con-
fession of fear from Siegfried, promises to lead him to Fafnir,
in whose presence he will surely learn it.

Alberich, who watches Fafnir's retreat in the hope of regain-
ing the Ring himself, is warned by Wotan (the Wanderer) of
Mime's intention of winning the Hoard through the instrumen-
tality of Siegfried, and both endeavour, but vainly, to put Fafnir
on his guard.

Siegfried, led by Mime to the neighbourhood of the dragon's
cave, attempts to imitate the song of the birds, and awakens
Fafnir by his horn; but, far from feeling fear at the monster's
appearance, he is only roused to wrath by his threats, and
attacks him, finally piercing him to the heart with Nothung.
His hand being scorched by the fiery, blood of the dragon, the
lad places it to his lips to cool it; and as soon as he tastes the
blood, he understands the song of a bird, warning him to take
possession both of Ring and Tarn-Helmet, and to be on his guard
against Mime's treachery.

208

SIEGFRIED

Consequently, when Mime approaches him with flattering
words, Siegfried detects the thought beneath; and on the dwarf
offering him a poisoned drink, he slays him and casts his body
into the cave, the entrance to which he closes with the corpse of
the dragon. Resting under a tree, the bird sings of BrtLnnhilde,
the sleeping Valkyrie, who can only be awakened from her
fire-girdled slumber by one who knows no fear; Siegfried an-
nounces that he has never learned that lesson, and bids the bird
lead him to Brflnnhilde.

Wotan awakes the goddess Erda to tell her that her wisdom
is now baffled, for his will accepts what her knowledge foretold.
The Ring has been won by Siegfried, and Brtinnhilde, the
daughter of Wotan and Erda, shall work out its curse, and,
haying learned to knovo, shall carry through the deed which shall
free the world. There is no further need for Erda's wisdom,
and Wotan bids her to everlasting slumber.

Siegfried, led by the bird, arrives at the foot of Brflnnhilde's
mountain, where he is confronted by the Wanderer, who would
bar the way with his spear; Siegfried hews the weapon asunder
with his sword, and makes his way through the flames to the
summit of the mountain, where he flnds the Valkyrie sleeping
under a flr-tree. He removes her helmet, and cuts off her
corslet with Nothung, and, at the sight of the flrst woman he
has ever seen, feels at last the touch of fear. Briinnhilde,
awakened by Siegfried's kiss, at flrst shrinks in terror from
her fate; then, recognizing the hero as the son of Siegmund,
whose coming she had herself foretold, confesses her love, and
yields in ecstasy to his embrace.

The first day of the drama closed amid the lurid sur-
roundings of flame, defeat, and death; the second day
opens in the shades of the woodland sanctuary where
Sieglinde sought refuge, and where the orphan child of
herself and Siegmund has been brought up under the
care of the dwarf Mime, and in total ignorance of his
parentage. And here we find that Wagner, who has
hitherto followed closely the course of the legend as pre-
sented in the Volsunga-saga, departs from this version of
the story, and bases his drama on the far less well-known
Thidrek-saga.

We may accept the fact that dramatic considerations

209

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

had doubtless much to do with this change of authority ;
but that here, as elsewhere, Wagner's instinct was a true
one, and led him to select out of various conflicting ver-
sions that one which, though not oldest in form, was
really most closely in accord with primitive tradition,
seems to be more than probable.

Among the folk-tales current in the various branches
of the great Aryan family, we find a certain sequence of
incident recurring, now in connection with one hero, now
with another, marking all these tales, whatever their na-
tionality, with a certain unmistakable likeness the one to
the other, and rendering it practically certain that they
are all variants of one original tradition. This special
sequence of incident J. G. von Hahn, in his Sagimsscn^
schaftliche Studien, designated as the Arische Aussct-
sungS'Und'Ruck'kehr Formcl (Aryan Expulsion and Re-
turn Formula) ; and he there collected fourteen stories
belonging to various branches of the Aryan race, each of
which conformed with more or less exactness to the pre-
scribed formula. Of these, besides the legend we are con-
sidering, it will be sufficient here to mention two of the
best known, the incidents of which will readily recur to
the mind of the reader: /. e., in Greek legend, Perseus; in
Roman, Romulus and Remus.

To the list given by J. G. von Hahn, Mr. Alfred Nutt,
in an article on the subject in the Folk-Lore Record, vol.
iv., added eight examples drawn from Celtic sources (to
these Celtic variants we will return later on). It seems,
therefore, practically certain that, whatever the original
signification of the formula, or whatever the cause which

2IO

SIEGFRIED

led to the first moulding of the legend into such a shape,
the sequence of incident is of extreme antiquity ; and the
nations who possess the story, by whatever name they
may elect to call its hero, really hold it as a part of their
original Aryan inheritance.

Mr. Nutt, in his Studies on the Legend of the Holy
Grail (chap, vi.), tabulates this formula as follows:

I. Hero born

(a) Out of wedlock.

(b) Posthumously.

(c) Supcrnaturally.

(d) One of twins.

II. Mother, princess residing in her own country.

III. Father.

,. ; -- I from afar,
(b) Hero j

IV. Tokens and warning of hero's future greatness.
V. He is in consequence driven forth from home.

VI. Is suckled by wild beasts.

VII. Is brought up by a childless couple, or shepherd, or
widow.

VIII. Is of passionate and violent disposition.

IX. Seeks service in foreign lands.

(a) Attacks and slays monsters.

(b) Acquires supernatural knowledge through eating
a fish or other magic animaL

X. Returns to his own country, retreats, and again returns.

XI. Overcomes his enemies, frees his mother, seats himself
on the throne.

Now, if we take the account of Siegfried's birth and
upbringing as gfiven in the Thidrek-saga, we cannot fail
to be struck by its close conformity to the recognised se-

2X1

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

quence; the incidents printed in bold face type all occur
in this version, while those lacking here, though eas-
ily supplied from other sources, yet exist in a less sim-
ple and direct form than in the Thidrek-saga. The one
point in which the account of the Thidrek-saga has been
noticeably modified by later tradition is that of the hero's
parentage and birth, which not only does not conform
strictly to the formula, but shows evident traces of ro-
mantic influence; the falsely accused wife is a familiar
figure in mediaeval tales, but is too late in colouring to fit
in well with the incidents of Siegfried's career, which
belong to Heroic Legend rather than to Marchen. Nev-
ertheless, even here the Thidrek-saga has preserved a
very curious feature in the glass casket in which the in-
fant is borne away by the stream, which is closely paral-
leled by the chest in which Perseus, the Greek formula
hero, and his mother Danae are carried away by the sea.
(There are other points of special agreement between
Perseus and Siegfried, e. g. the interest taken by the gods
in the career of the hero, which extends to their arming
him with their own weapons; as we noted before, Grmn
is Odin's own sword.)

Taking, therefore, incidents vi. to ix. (b) inclusive,
as represented in the Thidrek-saga, we find the account
given by the Volsunga-saga closely in accord with i. (6),
II., and III. (fc), while it also conforms to iv. in Hjal-
prek's prophecy of the future greatness of the Volsung
child, when the new born infant is brought before him.
Incidents x. and xi. do not figure prominently in the
Volsunga-saga, but they are nevertheless not altogether

212

SIEGFRIED

missing; Sigurd slays the sons of Hunding and regains
his father's kingdom, a point emphasised by Rassmann,
who holds that the favour shown by Odin to the Vol-
sungs was contingent on their retaining possession of the
kingdom originally given by the god to Sigi.

Incident v. appears in the Siegfrieds-lied, where King
Sigmund expels his son from his kingdom on account of
his violent and turbulent nature; it is here dependent rath-
er on VIII. than on iv., but the survival is significant.

It will therefore be found, taking one version with an-
other, that in Siegfried we have a remarkably perfect
conformity to the requirements of the formula, and that
he may be considered not only as the Teutonic hero, par
excellence, but also as a typical Aryan hero.

Who Siegfried's mother really was, in the original le-
gend, it is not very easy now to discover ; that his father
was a hero of semi-divine origin named Sigmund, seems
tolerably certain; but, curiously enough, here all the va-
riations are in the identity of the mother. The princess
Hjordis, as noted above, conforms most closely to the
recognised formula, and with this would agree the Dan-
ish Helden-lieder which represent Siwart or Sivord (Sig-
urd) as the son of a widow, therein agreeing closely with
other tales of this family.

In spite, however, of the later date of the Thidrek-
saga as regards Siegfried's parentage, that it not only rep-
resents more fully the original tradition of the hero's
youth, but also the tradition lying at the root of the Vol-
sunga-saga, becomes evident when we examine the latter
closely. For here, too, the smith appears as Sigurd's

213

THE NIBELUNCEN RING

foster-father, a quite unnecessary character, since Sigurd
has been brought up at the court of his mother's husband,
who treats him in all respects as his own son. The cir-
cumstances of the case do not require Regin at all ; he is
evidently a survival of a state of things where he was
necessary, and this we find in the Thidrek-saga.

Again, when Fafnir asks Sigurd of his name and par-
entage, the hero replies, "Unknown to men is my kin. I
am called a noble beast : neither father have I, nor
mother.'* The refusal to tell his name may of course be
accounted for on other grounds, but the assertion that
he has "neither father nor mother" seems to point to an
account of Sigurd's parentage other than that represented
by the Volsunga-saga, and anterior to that version.

The name of the smith who is Siegfried's master will
be seen to vary. Mitnir plays a somewhat important part
in the Thidrek-saga ; he is also the master of the famous
Wieland, .the smith, who is removed by his father from
Mimir's care to escape the persecutions of Siegfried, who
ill-treats both his fellow-pupils and Mimir's serving-men.
The fact that the compiler of the Thidrek-saga utilized
both German and Northern tradition has already been
noted, and it seems probable that Mimir, or Mime, was
the original German name of the smith, and that he
changed the name of the dragon to Regin, in order to
preserve also the Northern name of the more famous
brother. Rassmann considers that Regin is derived from
Regino, Rath-geber, and it is possible that the name was
changed in order to denote the wisdom and cunning with
which the smith was gifted.

214

SIEGFRIED

The incident of the Bear, introduced here by Wagner,
has evidently been transferred from the Nibelungen-Hed,
where Siegfried, during the fatal hunt, captures a bear
and lets it loose among the serving-men, a practical joke
better befitting the boy than the man.

In the account of the forging of the sword Wagner
has again returned to the Volsunga-saga, which alone
knows of the fragments of the father's sword. In the
Thidrek-saga it is a sword of Mimir's own forging; nor,
in the Northern version, does the smith find the task in
any sort beyond his power. The German tradition, which,
on the whole, seems to regard Thidrek, or Dietrich, as a
greater hero than Siegfried, also knows a sword which is
a more potent weapon than Gram; this is Mimung, the
sword of Witig or Widga, the son of Wieland the smith,
and one of Dietrich's companions. Wieland forged this
blade and gave it the name of Mimung (evidently in re-
membrance of his old master, Mimir), and Siegfried
knows and dreads its power. In the single combat be-
tween Siegfried and Dietrich, the former exacts an oath
from the hero of Bern that he is not wielding Mimung,
which Dietrich, who has in truth borrowed the sword
from Witig, evades by a ruse, and succeeds in overcom-
ing Siegfried. Of course, in the Thidrek-saga, Gram,
which is of Mimir's own forging, would hardly have the
miraculous power possessed by a weapon which, in the
Volsunga-saga, is evidently divine.*

In the interview between Mime and Wotan, Wagner
has clearly been influenced by the Eddaic poem known

iRydberg's theory of the origin of the Hoard, glTen at the conclusion
of the iitudies on the "Ring," goes far to explain the superiority of Mimung.

215

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

as the "Vafthrudnersmal," where Odin holds a similar
competition with the all-knowing giant, Vafthrudner.
The question which the latter cannot answer, and by fail-
ing to do so forfeits his head to Odin, is, "What did Odin
say in the ear of his son as he mounted the funeral pyre?''
the son being Baldur, and the whole incident having ref-
erence to the overshadowing "Gotterdiimmerung." These
riddling competitions dealing with obscure questions of
Fate, the divine government of the world, etc., seem to
have been favourite subjects for mediaeval poetry. We
have a remarkable example in the poem of the Wartburg-
Krieg.

Odin, as the Wanderer, is well known in Northern
mythology. In this character the Vafthrudnersmal
knows him as Gangradr; in the Vegtamskvida, a poem
to which we shall have occasion to refer later on, he calls
himself Vegtam; but Gangradr, which seems to signify
a tireless wanderer, is the better-known name. His out-
ward presentment is that of an old man, one-eyed, with
flowing hair and beard, wrapped in a blue cloak, with a
broad-leaved hat drawn over his forehead.

The feature of the principal god visiting the earth,
sometimes alone, sometimes with one or two companions,
is of very frequent occurrence in all mythologies ; and w' e
find a survival of the belief in the sometimes childish, yet
often quaint and beautiful, mediaeval legends of the wan-
derings of our Lord with one or two of His Apostles,
most frequently with S. Peter alone.

Siegfried's encounter with the dragon, w'hich follows
here directly on the forging of the sword, takes place, as

216

SIEGFRIED

in the Thidrek-saga, in the woodland, and not on the des-
olate heath of the Northern saga. Rassmann refers the
name of this latter, the Gnita-heide, to the Anglo-Saxon
root gnitan, to shine, and connects it with the Glas-berg,
where, as we shall see, according to some versions of the
legend, Brynhild had her dwelling ; and understands both
alike to signify the under- world, which is not always a
place of darkness, but sometimes of light and joy.

But the home of the departed spirits is often surrounded
by thick woods and forests, and in these woods dwell
fearful serpents and unearthly monsters, which must be
confronted by the hero who would penetrate beyond the
borders ; and great treasures of gold are hidden in the un-
der-world. So it may be that these two accounts of the
dragon's home are not really, as they seem at first sight,
contradictory the one of the other, but are originally part
of the same tradition, the dragon symbolising the power
of darkn^s. It seems possible, too, that in the original
legend the dragon guarded the maiden ; as it is, we find
Sigurd guided to Brynhild as a direct consequence of the
death of the monster, a feature which Wagner has re-
tained.

Morris, in his version of the legend, renders Gnita-
heide as the Glittering Heath, but seems to interpret the
name as having reference to the Hoard, thereby obscur-
ing the "other-world" significance of the story.

The incident of Siegfried's obtaining the power of un-
derstanding the song of birds by eating a part of the
dragon's flesh, or tasting the blood, is, as reference to the
formula given above will show, an int^jal part of the

IS 217

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Aryan tradition. We meet it in other countries in slightly
varying forms : in Celtic tradition we find it in the story
of Finn and the Salmon of Wisdom ; in Kymric in that of
Gwion and the Caldron of Inspiration. In these two in-
stances, the effect produced is much greater, being the
gift of all wisdom ; whereas, in the Siegfried myth, it is
only the power of understanding the song of birds.

The feature of the dragon's blood conferring invul-
nerability on Siegfried could scarcely be retained in the
drama, and Wagner has therefore replaced it by Briinn-
hilde's spells. There seems every reason to believe that
it formed part of the original tradition; every distinc-
tively German version has retained the fact of Siegfried's
inability to be wounded save in one place, though they
differ slightly as to the means by which this was brought
about ; attributing it sometimes to the blood of the dragon
as in the Thidrek-saga and Nibelungen-Hed, sometimes
to the homy hide of the monster, which melts in the fire,
as in the Siegfrieds-lied. The Volsunga-saga, alone, to-
tally omits the incident, and that it departs from the orig-
inal tradition in doing so will be shown when we discuss
the manner of the hero's death.

Wagner, here, suddenly interrupts the progress of the
legend to introduce an interview between Wotan and the
Wala, Erda, the outline of which has undoubtedly been
suggested by the Eddaic poem above referred to, the
Vegtamskvida. This poem is closely connected with an-
other, "Odin's Rabenzauber," which recounts the dismay
of the gods at the portents foreboding Baldur's death
and the coming Gotterdammerung. Odin, while the

218

SIEGFRIED

other gods sit in council, mounts his horse, Sleipnir, and
rides to Niflheim, where he wakes the dead Wala, the
prophetess, from her last slumber, and, hiding his iden-
tity under the name of Vegtam, forces her to answer the
questions he puts to her. But from her dark sayings he
wins no comfort, and the two finally reproach each other.
"Du hist nicht Vegtam, Odin hist du, der AHerschaffer,"
while Odin retorts —

"Du bist keine Vala, kein wissendes Weib,
Viclmchr bist du dreier Thurscn Mutter" — ^

Stanzas of which the words in the drama appear to be a
reminiscence. No such connection as that indicated by
Wagner appears to have really existed between Odin
and the Wala, but Northern mythology relates how the
god wins and wooes by a ruse the maiden Rinda (by
whom, it has been foretold, he shall have a son who shall
avenge the death of Baldur), and Rinda has been inter-
preted as signifying the earth, under her winter and frost-
bound aspect. Here, for the first time, Wotan reveals
himself distinctly as "the Will," an aspect which, as be-
fore pointed out, is in no sense alien to his original con-
ception, but is, in fact, included in it.

This presentation of Wotan as the Will is, however,
interpreted by Wagner rather in accordance with Schop-
enhauer's philosofdiy, than as illustrative of the mytho-
logical conception, and it is very interesting to remark
with what curious facility this attitude of the god towards
the approaching catastrophe, as portrayed in the Eddaic

*"No wftTwlM (Vegtam) art thon, as I took thee to be, but thou art
Woden, tbe ancient sire."

'*No Sibyl art thou, nor wise-woman, but thou art tbe mother of three
monsters."

219

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

poems, lent itself to this philosophical interpretation.
The Gotterdammerung, the apparent destruction of the
gods, is in reality their salvation; the survivors alike of
gods and men will arise from the general wreck freed
from the haunting fear of their deadly enemies, purified
from their sins, and restored to a condition of innocency.
The attitude of the gods towards the coming catastrophe,
of which they also foresee the ultimate issues, is there-
fore not merely passive and fatalistic, but one of willing
acceptance of a necessary discipline, i. e. the renunciation
of the will to live; and this scene between Wotan and
Erda is to be understood as the god's acceptance and
enunciation of this principle.

We now approach what is really the central incident
of the whole drama, and one which displays clearly the
originally mythic character of the hero, the awakening
of Briinnhilde by Siegfried.

The "Aryan Expulsion and Return Formula," as quo-
ted above, makes no special mention of this incident, but
the freeing of a maiden from peril, or death, under cir-
cumstances of danger and difficulty, is very frequently
one of the hero's achievements, and may perhaps be in-
cluded under the heading of ix. (a). The special pre-
sentment of the Volsunga-saga may be taken as due to a
myth connected with the god Freyr and his wooing of
Gerda, in which myth he appears as a sun-, rather than
a spring-god. In the original form of the legend, Freyr
himself rides through the Waberlohe and the thorn-
hedge which surround Gerda's dwelling, to win his bride ;
in the later form of the story he sends his servant, Skir-

220

SIEGFRIED

nir, lending him sword and steed for the purpose; and
these two versions have evidently been united in the Vol-
sunga-saga, where Sigurd rides the flames twice, once for
himself and once for Gunnar.

The myth is originally a nature-myth, typifying the
awakening of the earth from her winter sleep by the viv-
ifying power of the sun ; but it early gained a more ex-
tended and spiritual significance as relating the visit of
the hero to the other-world, the gpreatest achievement
alike of gods and of men.

Grimm's identification of the "Waberlohe" with the
flames of the funeral pyre has met with general accept-
ance among scholars; and when we examine the various
dwellings which tradition assigns to the heroine of the
legend, comparing them with the dwellings of the other-
world, we shall find that in every instance the indications
of the Volsunga-saga are borne out, and that there is a
general consensus of testimony to the effect that Sieg-
fried's visit to Sigrdrifa, or Briinnhilde, really represents
a visit of the hero to the abode of the dead, the other-
world. Thus in the Thidrek-saga Brynhild dwells in a
castle named Segard (which appears to indicate that it
was at least on the coast, if not on an island), the doors
of which Siegfried bursts open by force, slaying all who
would oppose him. This dwelling of Brynhild's is either
in or near Bcrtangaland, which is generally identified
as Britain. With this closely agrees the Nibelungen-
lied, which represents the princess as ruling over Island
and dwelling in the castle of Isenstein on the sea-shore.
(Rassmann identifies Island as derived from Isa, a god-

221

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

dess of the under-world, probably the same as Holda^
and not as Iceland.)

In the folk-songs current in Denmark and the Faroe
Isles, Brynhild is represented as dwelling on the Glasberg,
up the glittering sides of which none but Sigurd can
ride.

Now, the Glasberg is well known to students of Ger-
man folk-lore as the abode of departed spirits, i. e. the
other-world, and, as such, connected with the mountain
in which Holda, who is goddess of the dead, lives. It
is no abode of terror, but of rest and bliss; though the
dwellers in it would often gladly return to this world,
but are unable of themselves to do so. Rassmann iden-
tifies the Glasberg alike with the Gnita-heide, as men-
tioned above, and with the island Glid, mentioned in
Anglo-Saxon Chronicles as the abode of departed spirits,
the original root signifying glan:s, freude, wonnc.

That the souls of the blessed dead rested in an island
in the Western seas was a very general belief in early
times, and is also familiar to us through the Artliurian
legend, which represents the departed king as dwelling
in Avalon, the Welsh equivalent for the Irish Tir na n,
og, "the land beyond the waves,'* the Celtic Paradise.
Between Avalon and Britain there existed, as we find
from the Grail legends, an undoubted, though not alto-
gether clear, connection; and later on, Avalon became
identified with Glastonbury, though why it did so it is
not easy to decide. The etymology of Glastonbury seems
to be still a matter of uncertainty; and though experts
incline apparently more to a Celtic than to a Saxon

222

SIEGFRIED

source, it does not seem impossible that there is a con-
nection between the Glasberg and Glastonbury, and that
the identification of the latter with Avalon was due to
some tradition originally connected with the place. In
any case Brynhild's residence on the Glasberg, and on an
island in at least close proximity to Britain, leaves little
doubt as to the nature of her home.

The castle, too, in which the Thidrek-saga and Nibel-
ungen-lied place her is undoubtedly an under-world
dwelling; the manner in which Siegfried forces his en-
trance in the first-named version clearly indicates this.
The doors are the portals of Hades, which the hero must
either burst by main force, or spring his steed over (as
Hermodur does when he rides to Hel to bring Baldur
back). At first the surroundings of Hel seem to have
been a high hedge or thicket of thorns, but eventually
the under-world dwelling became a fortress, guarded, as
fortresses are on earth, with towers and iron-bound por-
tals. This magic castle, typical of the other-world, ap-
pears frequently in the Grail Romances, and a visit to
such a castle is among the achievements ordinarily
ascribed to Gawain, one of the oldest heroes of this cycle.

In the most popular form in which the legend has de-
scended to us, the folk-tale of "The Sleeping Beauty,"
the other-world signification of the original talc has be-
come greatly obscured ; the flame which surrounds Gerda
and Sigrdrifa has vanished, and the thorn-hedge, once
one with the flame, alone remains, and has blossomed
into a thicket of roses. The sleep-thorn has become the
spindle, and the maiden no longer slumbers alone, but

223

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

surrounded by all her courtiers. We have changed the
ending, too, and, instead of the fateful separation of hero
and heroine, only to be reunited amid the flames of the
funeral pyre, in the time-honoured language of fairy-tale,
they "live happy ever after."

For o'er the hills and far away.
Beyond their utmost purple rim.

Across the night, beyond the day.
Thro' all the world she followed him.

224

Chapter V.
GOTTERDAMMERUNG.

ARGUMENT.

The drama opens with a scene between the three Noms, who
indicate by their dark prophecies, and tbe breaking of the cord
they weave, the fate of the hero, and the approaching fall of
Walhalla.

Siegfried leaves BHinnhilde, having pledged himself to her,
and given her the Ring as a love-token, and arrives at the hall
of the Gibichungs, Gunther and Gutrune, with their half-
brother Hagen, who is really son to Alberich.

Hagen, well aware of the task which his father has imposed
upon him of regaining the Ring, urges Gunther and Gutrune
to marriage, telling them that in Briinnhilde and Siegfried they
will find their fitting mates.

On Siegfried's arrival, Gutrune, acting under Hagen's advice,
presents him with a magic drink, the effect of which is not only
to inspire him with a sudden passion for the Gibichung princess,
but to make him entirely forget Briinnhilde, whom he offers
to assist Gunther in winning as his wife, claiming the hand of
Gutrune as his reward, and the two heroes swear an oath of
blood-brotherhood.

Brfinnhilde, awaiting the return of Siegfried, is visited by
the Valkyrie, Waltraute, who tells her of the dismay in
Walhalla, caused by Wotan's acceptance of the coming Gdtter-
d&nmerung, and refusal to make .any effort to avert it
Nothing can save the gods except the return of the fatal Ring
to its original guardians, the Rhine Maidens. Briinnhilde, who
has now fully accepted the fate Wotan has prepared for her,
and accounts Siegfried's love a greater treasure than her lost
divinity, refuses to part with the Ring, Siegfried's love-token»
and Waltraute leaves her in indignation. Siegfried, in the shape
of Gunther, which he has assumed by means of the Tarn-helm,
penetrates again through the flames to Brannhilde. and. in spite
of her struggles, forces the Ring from her, and compels her to
accept him as her husband, keeping faith with Gunther by
placing the sword, Nothung, between them.

In the mist of the morning, Siegfried and Gunther change
places, and Brtonhilde follows the latter to the hall of the

225

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Oibichungs, where she is met by Siegfried and Gutrune. She
at once accuses Siegfried of having betrayed both herself and
Gunther» and he swears his innocence on Hagen's spear.
Hagen offers to avenge Briinnhilde, and Siegfried's death is
determined upon.

A hunting-party is arranged, and Siegfried, who has become
separated from the others, is confronted by the three Rhine
Maidens, who entreat him to give them back the Ring, and on his
refusal foretell that he will die that day. Siegfried refuses to
give them through fear what he would not yield freely, and the
maidens vanish.

Siegfried is joined by the others, and during the following
meal, under the influence of a drink given by Hagen, he relates
the story of his slajring the dragon and winning Brunnhilde.
Two ravens fly out of the thicket behind him, and Siegfried*
turning to look at them, is struck to the heart by Hagen.

Siegfried's body is borne to the hall, where Hagen claims the
Ring as his property, both as the avenger of perjury and heir to
the rightful owner, Alberich, but is opposed by Gunther. The
two fight, and Gunther falls.

At Brflnnhilde's command a funeral pyre is raised on which
the body of Siegfried is laid, and Brfinnhilde, after proclaim-
ing love alone, not gold nor glory, to be the enduring good*
mounts her horse, Grane, and spurs it into the fiames.

The waves of the Rhine rise, and the maidens, summoned by
Brflnnhilde's last words, draw the Ring from Siegfried's hand
and disappear into the waves, dragging with them Hagen, who
has endeavoured to frustrate them. A glow in the Northern
sky teUs of the fall of Walhalla and the "twilight of the gods."

The scene of the awakening of Brunnhilde, fully dis-
cussed in our last chapter, forms the central point of
the drama ; from this moment the shadow of impending
fate looms darker and more imminent, and the tragedy —
for such it now unmistakably becomes — moves rapidly
to its close. And here we cannot but feel that the final
stages in the hero's career suffer considerably by the
compression necessary to bring them within the limits of
time available for the drama. As in the case of Sieg-
mund, so in that of his son, the character of the hero is
necessarily and unfavourably affected by this compres-

226

GOTTERDAMMERUNC

sion; and as a sympathetic and picturesque presentment
of the concluding scenes, the drama is distinctly inferior
to either the Volsunga-saga or the Nibelungen-lied,
which, in both instances, touch their highest point of ex-
cellence in their account of the hero's death and the cir-
cumstances which precede it.

With the opening of the drama we find ourselves once
more in the world of mythology, in the company of the
Three Noms, the Northern Fates. These three sisters,
originally of divine origin, appear to have been anterior
to the gods, and to have at first ruled their fate, even as
later they weave and rule the fates of men. It is their
task to tend Ygdrassil, the world-ash, and to refresh it
with water from Urd's spring : Urd, or Wurd, being the
name of the eldest Norn; the others, Verdandi and
Skuld; the three signifying the Past, the Present, and
the Future. Simrock considers that originally all three
sisters were named Wurd, and that we have a reminis-
cence of this in Macbeth's "weird sisters."

Be this as it may, it is not difficult to find traces of the
widespread nature of the belief in the Noms, and their
connection with the affairs of men; a belief which sur-
vives to our day under a variety of more or less easily
penetrated disguises.

The good fortune which it was in their power to be-
stow upon mortals, gradually, as the Christian faith
gained ground in the North, and the mythical nature of
the sisters became obscured, took the form of religious
benefactions ; throughout Germany, in Belgium, Switzer-
land, and further north, we find a constantly recurring

227

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

triad of sisters, generally dignified with the prefix of
Saint, whose names, varying in different localities, can
yet without much difficulty be connected with one or an-
other of the fateful sisters, and whom students of myth-
ology identify as being in reality Christianised versions
of the Three Norns.

And if they survive in Christian tradition, they do so,
much more unmistakably, in folk-lore and Marchen.
Identical with the Tria Fata of the Celts, they have,
through their name, become confused with the fairies;
and first in their own form, then as fairies, we
find them attendants on the cradles of heroes ; foretelling,
for the most part, good fortune, but often by the proph-
ecy of the last Norn, who is generally a herald of evil.
Thus, in the Nornagest-saga, the youngest sister fore-
tells that the infant shall only live as long as the taper
burning beside the cradle shall last; the eldest sister ex-
tinguishes the light and bids the mother guard it care-
fully; and it is only as an aged man of over three hun-
dred years that, at the court of King Olaf Tryggvason,
Nornagest lights the taper and expires with the ex-
piring flame.

So when the Danish king Pridleif bare his new-born
son to the temple of the Norns, the youngest sister
cursed the child with the passion of avarice, thus marring
the gifts bestowed upon him by her sisters. How, as
fairies, they appear in the tale of the "Sleeping Beauty,"
the close connection of which with our legend has already
been remarked, every reader will remember.

We may remark here that the number of the Norns,

228

COTTERDAMMERUNG

as of the Valkyrie, varies ; originally and generally three,
they sometimes appear as seven, nine, or twelve.

The fact that they are undoubtedly connected by their
name fcUa with fairies, and that their ordinary home is
by Urd's spring, at the root of the ash, Ygdrassil, seems
to show that there may also be a connection between the
Noms and the water fairies who are met by the side of a
fountain or stream, and in so many traditions are wed-
ded to mortals.

In the drama the Noms appear in their original char-
acter, as interested in the fate of the gods, and the va-
rious indications of the approaching catastr(^he are
founded on mythological sources, most of which have
been already referred to. The Eddaic poem, the Vol-
uspa, which relates at length the signs and portents her-
alding the Gotterdammerung, ends each verse with the
mysterious question, "Wisst Ihr was das bedeutet?"
Wagner seems to have had this in his mind when he made
each Norn conclude her speech with a similar question.

After the mysterious scene with the Noms, which pre-
pares our minds for the tragical development of the
story, the thread of the action is resumed with the part-
ing between Siegfried and Brunnhilde, and the latter's
gift of her horse, Grane, to the hero. The runes, with
which the awakened Valkyrie in the legend instructs the
hero, may be found in the "lay of Sigrdrifa," which has
been incorporated in chapters xx. and xxi. of the Vd-
sunga-saga. In this latter chapter, Sigrdrifa (or Bryn-
hild) significantly warns Sigurd, "Good it were that hate
fell not on thee from those of thy wife's house."

229

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

In making the horse, Grane, the gift of Brunnhilde,
Wagner has followed the Thidrek-saga ; though there
Siegfried has been told by Mimir to ask for the steed,
and apparently visits Brynhild for that purpose. In the
Volsunga-saga the horse, though ostensibly the gift of
King Hjalprek, ought rather to be considered that of
Odin who directs Sigurd in his choice, and tells him that
Grane is of the kin of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged
steed. Wagner evidently intends us to consider the gift
of the Valkyrie as of unearthly origin, and there is no
doubt that Sigurd's horse is a divine steed.

Simrock connects the name Grani (a name by which
Odin himself is occasionally designated) with grane, the
old German word for the hair of the beard ; and accord-
ing to him the beard of the god and the mane of the
horse would alike typify the sun-rays, and would again
be connected with the golden corn or granum, the fruit
of the sun. Regarded in this aspect, Grani (or Grane)
becomes at once the horse of the sun-god, and, as such,
identical with Freyr's steed which penetrates the **Wal>
erlohe" surrounding Gerda's dwelling. There seems lit-
tle doubt that this was the real object of Odin's gift —
i. c, to enable the hero to reach the sleeping Valkyrie;
and the fact that Wagner places the g^ft of the horse
after the awakening of Briinnhilde is utterly destructive
of the origin and meaning of this really characteristic
feature of the story.

We now approach one of the most important parts of
the saga, and that part which, as noted in the introduc-
tory chapter, has been seriously affected and modified by

230

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

historical influence. In no part of the drama has the en-
forced compression of the action told more severely upon
the legend, which has been here stripped bare of all that
lends grace and dignity to the story, and appears a mere
skeleton of itself.

The father of the royal house, whose kingdom is on
the banks of the Rhine, is here Gibich, a name which
seems to be in root identical with Gjuki in the Volsunga-
saga, and which Simrock tells us was occasionally borne
by Odin; it may therefore indicate the originally un-
earthly nature of these kings.

There seems strong reason to believe that if we could
reconstruct the original form of the legend we should
find these characters, into whose power the hero falls,
and who force him to a course of action which finally
brings about his death at their hands, to be of as mythic
an origin as Siegfried himself, symbolizing a power of
darkness, as he does of light ; but the introduction of the
historical element into the legend, and the identification
of these kings with rulers of the Burgundian Rhine king-
dom, has completely obscured the original legend. Gim-
ther or Gunnar, in particular, has probably been euhem-
erized out of all likeness to his mythical self, and Hagen
alone bears evident traces of an other than mortal origin.

An interesting question is, are Gunther and his broth-
ers to be considered as Nibelungs or not? The indica-
ticMis of the legend are somewhat confused, and, as noted
earlier, it would seem that the name of Nibelung (or
Niflung) is rather dependent on the possession of the
Treasure; only in the Thidrek-saga are these kings Nil>-

231

THE NIBELUNCEN RING

elungs throughout. That they are evil powers is certain,
and it is generally admitted that it is really through his
possession of the fatal Treasure that the hero falls under
their influence; but the question is, is this influence due
to their previous connection with the Treasure, or merely
to the action of the curse on the hero, independent of
any such connection on their part? The strongest argu-
ment for holding the first of these two alternatives to be
the truth is the character of Hagen, whose opposition to
the hero evidently lies at the very root of his being, and
is part of the original stoff of the legend ; but it is not by
any means certain that Hagen is one of the Gibichungs
or Gjukings at all. His connection with Gunther is, as
we shall see, markedly variable, and it may be that it is he,
and not Gunther, who really represents the original
Rhine-king of the legend, whether that king were a Nibe-
lung or not.

If we refer to the discussion of the original source of
the gold in chapter iii. we shall find that the representa-
tives of the Nibelungs were a father and two (or per-
haps three) sons; and the collection of the Treasure due,
apparently, to the skill or cunning of the father. With
this outline, at the first glance, the family of the Rhine-
kings seems to agree, i. e, there is a father and three sons
— Gunther, Gemot, and Giselher, in the distinctively Ger-
man versions; Gunnar, Hogni (or Hagen), and Guttorm
in the Northern. In the Thidrek-saga Hagen is a half-
brother, thus converting the evidently original number
into four; in the Nibelungen-Iied he is simply Gunther's
"man." But, though at first sight these versions appear

232

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

to agree, there are two important modifications : first, the
father of the Rhine-kings is a mere lay-figure, and cer-
tainly could not be compared with Hreidmar, of the ear-
lier group; then, and more important, these Rhine-kings
have always a sister who plays a very leading, eventually
the leading, part in the development of the story, and
who certainly appears to be of as m)rthical an origin as
her rival, Brynhild. The witch-mother, who is so promi-
nent a figure in the Volsunga-saga, is in all probability
merely a duplication of the sister, whose name, Grimhild,
she has taken; it seems most likely that in the original
legend it was the maiden herself who was possessed of
magical powers and used them to win the love of the hero.
The compiler of the Volsunga-saga seems to have passed
over the more unamiable traits of the daughter's charac-
ter to the mother, as throughout his sympathies are evi-
dently with Gudrun and Hogni, and he is bent on making
out as good a case for them as he can ; though the under-
lying fierceness of the original character of Sigurd's wife
breaks through at the end with her murder of her
sons.

The gradual development and modifications which the
character of Kriemhild (or Gudrun) has undergone is
one of the most important and interesting features of the
legend as a whole. She is, of course, really a far more
important character than Brynhild; but inasmuch as we
are now only considering the Nibelungen myth in con-
nection with its presentment in the Wagnerian Drama, it
would be beside the mark to enter upon a discussion
which would take up time and divert us from our primary

16 233

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

object. One cannot but regret, however, that, with such a
wealth of material at his disposal, Wagner did not make
more of the character of Gutrune; as it is, she is really
too shadowy even to be a foil to Briinnhilde, who would
rather have gained in interest had she had a more tangi-
ble rival in Siegfried's affections. On the whole, the ac-
tion of the drama, and the necessary compression in-
volved, presses very hardly on these Rhine-kings; the
mother, who, if not always the imposing and fateful fig-
ure of the Volsunga-saga, is at least s)mipathetic and dig-
nified, has been swept away; so has the father (a lesser
loss) ; the younger brothers, fierce and headstrong some-
times but gallant and chivalrous, have also vanished ; and
of the whole group only Gunther and his sister remain,
and they are mere puppets, tools under the sinister influ-
ence of Hagen. Gunther's dignity is not even saved by
the fact that Hagen's conduct, as in the Nibelungen-lied,
is dictated by his feudal devotion to his master's inter-
ests and care for his honour. Here Hagen, like Hal o*
the Wynd, "fights for his own hand," and the fact that it
is his own interest, and not Gunther's, that he has in
mind, operates disastrously on both characters.

But it must be admitted that in a drama ending with
the catastrophe of Siegfried's death it would be difficult
to make Gunther a dignified character — ^he is so mani-
festly human, and, as such, so utterly overweighted by
his semi-divine brother-in-law and wife. To do full jus-
tice to the character, one needs the closing scenes of his
life, in which, a man among men, confronted with an
inevitable fate, he rises to a pitch of heroic grandeur, and

234

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

meets his death with a courage and constancy which com-
pel our admiration; Gunther in the "worm-close" is as
grand a figure as legend can show. The fact seems to
be that, whether there ever was a mythical Gunther or
not, the character has now become so completely euhem-
erized, and so thoroughly identified with the historical
Burgundian king, that he is out of keeping with the char-
acters of the early part of the saga, who still retain strong
traces of their mythical origin; and is therefore only to
be understood when, in connection with the Fall of the
Nibelungs, we find him in the surroundings coloured by
his real history and proper to the character.

The deception of which Briinnhilde is the victim is, of
course, difficult to reproduce adequately on the stage;
the most poetical version of the incident, and that which
certainly appears to be the oldest, is the version given
by the Volsunga-saga, where by means of incantations
Sigurd and Gunnar literally change shapes (as do Signy
and the witch-woman). It is to be noted, however, that
this change does not ^ppesLt to extend to the eyes. Bryn-
hild tells Sigurd that she "deemed she knew his eyes;"
and Wagner hints at this in the drama. The fact seems
to be that the eyes of the hero are a surviving trait of his
originally divine nature, and that no mortal dare face
them. Twice over Guttorm refrains his murderous hand,
and will not smite Sigurd till his eyes are closed in slum-
ber ; and one cannot but suspect that the fact that in the
German versions of the legend Siegfried is smitten from
behind, was originally to be referred to this peculiarity,
which, too, is evidently inherited by his children. The

235

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Edda relates that when Swanhild, the daughter of Sig-
urd and Gudrun, was condemned by King Jormunrek to
be trodden underfoot by horses, they were compelled to
muffle her head in a cloth before the sentence could be
carried out, as the horses dared not face her eyes; and
there is, not improbably, a reminiscence of the power of
Sigurd's glance at the root of the story told of Aslog's
son, referred to in chapter iv.

The Tarn-kappe, which we find in the Nibelungen-lied,
seems to be a later and miirchcnhaft attempt to explain
the deception; the Thidrek-saga, which only requires
that Brynhild be deceived during the hours of night, sug-
gests no magical explanation — Gunther and Siegfried
simply change garments, and the darkness apparently
does the rest; but such a solution was not sufficient for
the Nibelungen-lied, which requires that Brynhild be de-
ceived during the trial of strength, as well as in the mar-
riage-chamber.

The virtue of the Tarn-kappe (or Helm) is to make
the wearer invisible, and to dower him with superhuman
strength, not to enable him, as in the drama, to take the
form of another man. The fact that the agent in the
deception is a special talisman, and no longer runes, or
incantations, as in the Volsunga-saga, seems to point to a
later version ; and the form assumed here by the talisman
is probably due to the fact that there was a helmet of
special virtue included in the Treasure. The Volsunga-
saga speaks of the Helm of Awing (i^girshelm), which
had the power of smiting with terror all who beheld the
wearer.

236

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

In the various stages through which the legend has
passed, the relations between Sigurd and Brynhild, and
the real nature of the wrong done by the hero, have be-
come very much obscured. There is no doubt that they
were originally betrothed to each other. That the be-
trothal was more than a mere exchange of vows seems
most probable, both from the fact that the Northern ver-
sions knew the daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild, and the
version which both Thidrek-saga and Nibelungen-lied
give of the service rendered to Gunther by Siegfried —
probably a reminiscence of the hero's original relations
with Brynhild.

That Siegfried's apparent treachery was, in the first in-
stance, unconscious is certain; and it seems more in ac-
cordance with the blameless character ascribed to the hero
to believe that the account given by both Thidrek-saga
and Nibelungen-lied departs from the older version by
separating the one betrayal into two, and making each a
conscious and a voluntary act

That Brynhild had a right to consider herself not mere-
ly Sigurd's betrothed, but his wife, seems clear. Here,
Wagner seems in the main to have given the correct ver-
sion of the story ; but in finding in the desertion of Sieg-
fried the cause which leads Briinnhilde to demand his
death he has made a grave departure from the legend,
and one which has a very unfortunate eflfect on the char-
acter of his heroine.

In every version of the legend, witliout exception,
Brynhild does not bring about Siegfried's death in re-
venge for his desertion of her, but — ^and this is a very

237

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

important difference — in retaliation for his having be-
trayed her carefully guarded secret to his wife.

The Volsunga-saga makes this clear. Br3mhild knows
perfectly well that Sigurd was an unconscious agent in
the betrayal — it was his "fate," and as such had been
foreseen by her, and she is of a sufficiently generous
character not to punish him, bitterly as she resents his
conduct, for what she knows he was unable to prevent ;
but, womanlike, she revenges herself on his wife, and it
is only when she discovers that Sigurd has put her in
the power of her envied rival that her proud spirit finds
the situation intolerable, and she demands his death as
atonement for the last and conscious wrong.

That this is the correct version, and the one which lies
at the root of both Thidrek-saga and Nibelungen-lied, is
evident, as it is the only solution of Brynhild's otherwise
enigmatic conduct. In the Thidrek-saga she calmly ac-
cepts Siegfried's cool explanation of his desertion — ^that
she had no brother, and therefore a marriage with her
was not to his advantage. In the Nibelungen-lied there
is no statement of any previous connection between them,
but her explanation of her tears at the sight of Kriemhild
and Siegfried is quite inadequate, and is evidently cmly
a poor substitute for the real and forgotten reason. But
in each instance she keeps silence on what has passed be-
fore her marriage with Gunther, and bases her accusation
of Siegfried on the ground of his betrayal of herself and
Gunther to Kriemhild. Whatever the later compilers
have forgotten, they have clearly retained the idea that
in this, and not in the previous unconscious action, lay
Siegfried's real sin against Brynhild.

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GOTTERDAMMERUNG

In this, the true version of the story, it is impossible
not to sympathise with Brynhild; but when, as in the
drama, she sees that her former lover does not recognise
her, and has absolutely forgotten everything connected
with their meeting, instead of suspecting the real nature
of the case, and keeping silence, she at once and publicly
proclaims the nature of the relations between them (which
surely a woman of the dignified character attributed to
Briinnhilde would have died rather than do) ; she not
only demands Siegfried's death, but freely tells Hagen
where he may be mortally wounded, at which we feel
revolted by her craving for such cruel revenge, and lack
of all womanly feeling.

We can hardly acquit Wagner of having here made a
grave mistake. Up to this point he has elected to follow
the indications of the Volsunga-saga, and has determin-
edly identified his heroine with the Valkyrie Sigrdrifa, at-
tributing to her a divine origin, and gifting her with di-
vine wisdom. It is too much to demand of us that we
shall suddenly dissociate this Briinnhilde from the pro-
totype with whom she has been so closely connected, and,
in defiance of all the indications of the legend, and up till
now of the drama, believe that she really has no knowl-
edge of how matters stand with Siegfried, that she shall
remember her divine birth, and yet act with less than
womanly dignity.

In the fact that it is she who reveals, and that of free
will, Siegfried's vulnerable point, we have agafn a de-
parture, and an unhappy one, from the original legend;
there It is Kriemhild who betrays her husband, and that

239

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

in all innocence, believing that she is enabling Hagen to
shield him more effectually — a. most pathetic incident,
and one which may be traced to a mythic source, and
therefore probably formed part of the story in its earliest
form.

It is throughout in accordance with the legend to rep-
resent Siegfried as utterly unconscious of his impending
doom, relying too completely on the blood-brotherhood
between himself and his wife's relations to dread any
treachery on their part; but this unconsciousness is far
more natural in the legend, where the hero has lived for
years with the Rhine-kings on terms of brotherly affec-
tion, has aided them in their wars, received part of their
kingdom, and has every reason to believe himself beloved
and honoured, than in the drama, where his knowledge
of Gunther is of the slightest, and where Hagen's myste-
rious bearing and refusal to share in the oath of brother-
hood would surely have put him upon his guard. But
probably we ought, both here and in the legend, to regard
Siegfried as being, in Scotch parlance, "fey/'

The warning of the Rhine-maidens was, of course,
suggested by the similar warning addressed to Hagen in
the German versions, though there Hagen accepts and
believes it, in the spirit of grim fatalism which character-
izes him throughout ; though he revenges himself for the
unwelcome truth by smiting off the head of the prophet-
ess. In the account of Siegfried's death Wagner has
followed the German tradition, which represents the hero
as slain in the forest, and during a hunting expedition,
rather than the Northern, where he is slain in his bed.

240

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

The part of the Nibelungen-Iied which relates the death
of Siegfried is admittedly one of the finest portions, if
not the finest, of the poem; and there is an irresistible
pathos in the contrast between the light-hearted uncon-
sciousness of the hero and the dark treachery plotted
against him. Siegfried is never more brilliant, more joy-
ous, more utterly alive than in the moments preceding his
death. More successful in the chase than his companions,
he brings to the appointed trysting-place not only the
dead trophies of his skill, but a live bear fastened to his
saddle-bow, which he first lets loose among the terrified
serving-men, and then himself overtakes and kills single-
handed.

Annoyed at the lack of wine, he upbraids Hagen with
the petulance of offended dignity; "if they did not treat
the hunters better he would not be their hunting comrade
again ; he had well merited better treatment !" But with
easy good-humour he forgets his annoyance as soon as
Hagen suggests that there is a spring at hand, and a
well-timed compliment to his swiftness of foot finds him
ready to rise to the bait, and eager to give a proof of his
vaunted skill. The very fact that he is so unsuspicious,
so trusting, and easy to be deceived, makes the treachery
of Gunther and Hagen appear all the blacker; and
though, in fact, Siegfried in the Nibelungen-lied is really
more guilty than Sigurd in the Volsunga-saga, yet the
childlike gaiety and unconsciousness of the character
make one less willing to find an excuse for Hagen and the
vindictive woman who spurs him on.

Without a thought that he is laying a snare for him-

241

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

self, Siegfried challenges Gunther and Hagen to race
him to the spring, volunteering himself to carry the
weight of hunting dress, shield, sword, and spear, while
the other two lay aside their weapons and outer gar-
ments. Even thus burdened he easily outruns them, but
with ready courtesy stands aside till Gunther has drunk
first, and, as he in his turn bends to drink, it is with his
own spear, laid aside in trustful unconsciousness, that
Hagen smites him to the heart As in the drama, he lifts
his shield to fling at Hagen, and in the poem he carries
out the action and smites his murderer to the ground.

The scorn of the dying man for the treachery which
has thus taken him unarmed, and at a disadvantage, is
very fine, and with contemptuous coldness he bids Gun-
ther cease his lamentations. But a softer mood ccMnes
over him at the thought of his wife, and there is a re-
proachful pathos in his appeal to Gunther; if he can
keep faith with any one, he would fain commit Kriemhild
to his care. His last thoughts are for her: "ne'er was a
greater wrong done to a woman through her love."

The death-scene in the drama, fine as it undoubtedly is,
is yet inferior in beauty and pathos to this.

And here we must discuss the question, one much de-
bated by scholars: Where was Siegfried really killed?
In his bed, as in the Northern legend, or in the wood, as
the Thidrek-saga, and Nibelungen-lied represent ? Rass-
mann does not hesitate to say that the Northern version
represents, without doubt, the oldest form of the story,
and with this Edzardi in his preface to Von der Ha-
gen's translation of the Volsunga-saga agrees; on the

242

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

other hand, Lichtemberger points out that the variation
in the manner of the hero's death may be accounted for
by the differences existing between the countries and the
peoples where the saga found a home. Thus it would
be more natural for the Germans to represent Siegfried
as slain in a forest, forests abounding in Germany, and
the Germans being a hunting people; while the sparsely
wooded tracts of Iceland and the long nights of the
North would make it more natural for the Northern saga-
men to represent him as slain in the house and in his sleep.
This remark appears very natural, and would certainly
lead to the conclusion that, the legend being in the main
originally German, the German version would of neces-
sity be the older of the two ; and this opinion is supported
by the fact that even in the North this version of the
story which held Sigurd to have been slain in daylight
and in the open was not unknown. One of the many
Eddaic songs dealing with the legend represents him as
killed "southward, on the banks of the Rhine;" another
as assassinated while riding to the Thing. A prose note
to the first, which says, "Others say Sigurd was slain in
his bed, but German men tell that he was killed in the
forest," is significant as showing that there were at an
early period two versions of the legend, and that the
German was such as it has descended to us.

It is noteworthy, too, on the hypothesis that the Vol-
sunga-saga has departed from the original tradition, that
the version there given of Gudrun's dream, foreshadow-
ing the death of Sigurd, certainly points to his being slain
in the open.

243

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

This opinion, probable enough when we only consider
the versions as they stand, becomes much strengthened
when we take into consideration the originally mythic na-
ture of the hero. That Siegfried originally represented a
sun-god there can be practically no doubt; we have al-
ready shown that the story of his winning Brynhild
(Sigrdrifa) is based upon the myth of Freyr and Gerda,
and the circumstances of his death and burial seem as
certainly to be connected with Baldur. It will be remem-
bered that the gods, terrified at the portents which point
to some misfortune befalling this best-loved of the Asas,
extort an oath from all creation to do him no harm, the
mistletoe, which they deem too insignificant to be danger-
ous, alone excepted. This done, they amuse themselves
by throwing missiles at Baldur, who remains uninjured,
invulnerable to all weapons.

Loke, in the guise of an old woman, goes to Fricka ( as
Hagen does to Kriemhild), and asks her if all created
things have taken the oath, winning from her, in all in-
nocence, the admission that the mistletoe has been ex-
cepted. Armed with a twig of the shrub, Loke goes to
the blind god, Hodur (Hagen is always represented as
being blind of one eye), and tells him he will guide his
hand to take part in the diversion of the g^s. Hodur
throws the mistletoe, which enters Baldur's temple and
kills him. Tlie body of the dead god is laid on a ship
which is set alight, and Odin places on the finger of his
dead son, as he lies on the funeral pyre, the ring Draupv-
nir, from the pure gold of which every ninth night there
drop eight shavings of the precious metal, though the

244

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

ring itself never becomes less. The resemblance between
Draupnir and the ring of the Nibelungen Hoard has often
been commented upon. Baldur's wife, Nanna, dies of
grief, and is burnt on the funeral pyre with her husband.
The analogy existing between the account of Baldur's
death and that of Siegfried's leaves no doubt that the
hero was originally a sun or spring-god, even as Freyr
and Baldur, and was identified in turn, now with the one,
now with the other of these deities.

Now, it is a noticeable fact that the death of a divine,
or semi-divine, hero is in many mythologies brought about
during a hunting expedition and by means of a wild boar;
a golden boar is in Northern mythology one of the sym-
bols of the sun-god. There is a curious story of a cer-
tain Hackelbrand, a mythical individual, identified by
some scholars with Odin, by others with Baldur, who on
the eve of the hunt dreams of himself as engaged in a
deadly struggle with an overpowering enemy. The next
day they pursue and kill a mighty wild boar, and Hack-
elbrand, recognising the enemy of his dream, strikes the
dead animal with his foot, exclaiming, "Now strike if
thou canst !" when the sharp tusk of the boar pierces his
foot and causes a mortal wound. The Egyptian god,
Osiris, was slain by his enemy Typhon, in the guise of a
wild boar; and it was a boar which caused the death of
Adonis.

Remembering these facts, and that Siegfried is un-
doubtedly connected with the sun-gods of the North,
Hagen's explanation of the cause of Siegfried's death in
the Thidrek-saga, "We hunted a wild boar, and that boar

245

THE NIBELUNGEN RING '

gave him his death," becomes curiously significant;
whether Wagner had this connection in his mind or not,
one cannot say, but he has happily retained this trait in
the drama.

We have already noted as a peculiarity of the Thid-
rek-saga, that, though later in compilation, and inferior
in literary value to the Northern version, it nevertheless
retains distinct traces of an older form of the legend than
that preserved by the Volsunga-saga, though this older
form is often obscured by the evident anxiety of the com-
piler to harmonize the German version with that popular
in the North. Thus we find that, though he represents
Siegfried as slain in the wood, he relates how the hero's
dead body was brought home and laid in the bed beside
his wife — ^an act of brutality on the part of the murderers
(who in the Nibelungen-lied only lay the corpse outside
Kriemhild's door) apparently due to his desire not to en-
tirely omit the Northern form of the story.

The conclusion seems to be that, judging from mythi-
cal analogy, and the testimony of the German versions,
the original scene of Siegfried's death must have been a
wood or forest, and the occasion a hunting expedition ; and
it may well be that, before the story of this Aryan hero
became so closely entwined with the Northern myth of
the fatal Nibelungen Hoard, the cause of his death was
the traditional wild boar. But the fact that Siegfried
early became identified with Baldur would introduce an-
other element into the story, and this, fitting more easily
into the framework of the Nibelungen legend, which de-
manded that the death of the hero be due to the action of

246

COTTERDAMMERUNG

a conscious agent, and a deadly enemy, finally entirely
displaced the more primitive version.

It seems impossible to judge the question fairly with-
out consideration of the strong mythical elements in the
hero's character; and equally impossible, having taken
this element into account, to avoid the conclusion that
the German versions followed by the drama are really
representative of the original facts of the case.

But if there be a difference of opinion as to the scene
of Siegfried's death, there can be but little controversy
as to who was his murderer. Both the German versions
agree in assigning this role to Hagen ; the Volsunga-saga
alone represents Hogni (Hagen) as resolutely opposed
to the deed, as it is also alone in making Gunnar survive
Hogni ; though it is in accordance with the Thidrek-saga
in representing Gudrun as carrying out her vengeance
by the aid of Hogni's son, who here bears the significant
name of Niblung. As remarked before, the Northern
version makes Hogni Gunnar's brother, whereas in the
Thidrdc-saga he is but Gunther's half-brother, the son of
an elf (as in the drama) ; and in the Nibelungen-lied
he is Gunther's "man," and only a distant relation.

In the German versions Hagen is always represented
as of a fierce and awe-inspiring aspect; his face is pale
as ashes, his hair and beard grizzled, and he has but one
eye. The Thidrek-saga accounts for his grim appear-
ance by the story of his supernatural birth ; but the whole
description of Hagen points him out as originally and
essentially the direct opposite of Siegfried, whose golden
armour, beauty of countenance, and joyous disposition

247

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

render him the object of universal love and admiration,
as Hagen is of dislike and dread. The one is manifestly
the representative of a power of light, the other of dark-
ness.

Nevertheless, Hagen knows more of Siegfried than
either Gunther or his fellow-courtiers know. When the
young hero appears at Worms the Burgundians are all
in doubt as to his identity ; it is Hagen who names him,
and who relates his early exploits, the slaying of the
dragon and the winning of the Nibelungen Hoard. With
this latter it is impossible to doubt that Hagfen is very
closely connected ; it is worthy of note that in all the ver-
sions the Treasure eventually comes into his hands, and
it is he who is the agent in consigning it to its final place
of concealment. In the Nibelungen-lied this connection
with the treasure is specially apparent ; after the death of
Siegfried (who, curiously enough, never seems to care
particularly for the Treasure — as a rule he wins it acci-
dentally and without set desire on his part ; the Volsung^-
saga alone represents him as knowing of the gold before-
hand, and being actuated by the motive of winning it),
Hagen watches jealously over the gold, and deprives
Kriemhild of all access to the Treasure before he finally
hides it; and in two instances it is his son who works
out the final curse of the gold by slaying Etzel, or Atli,
who would fain possess it.

It is true that Hagen nowhere slays Siegfried with the
apparent object of possessing the Hoard himself, but
always out of loyalty to his sovereign's wife, and care for
his sovereign's honour: and this motif is specially insisted

248

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

upon in the Nibelungen-lied. But this presentation of
the legend is so strongly coloured throughout by ethical
ideas, and the German conception of "Treue," that the
original conception has undoubtedly undergone consider-
able modification.

Taking into consideration the importance which in
every version of the story is assigned to Hagen, an im-
portance which in the Nibelungen-lied goes near to mak-
ing him the equal of Siegfried in dignity and interest;
the obscurity which overhangs his origin and relation to
Gunther ; his strange appearance ; and the fact that he is
invariably the last holder of the Treasure, — we cannot
but conclude that we have here a survival of one of the
original figures of the legend, the hereditary opponent
and foe of the hero, and therefore most probably the rep-
resentative of the powers from whom he won the gold
(not the rightful owner of the gold, for Hagen himself
is subject to the curse) ; in other words, that Hagen really
is, as represented in the drama, the survival of the origi-
nal Nibelungs. That he may be even older than this,
and as Hodur, Baldur's murderer, part of the original
mythic groundwork of the saga, is highly probable. As
far back as we can put the personified opposition of light
and darkness, so far back may we put the real root of
the enmity between Siegfried and Hagen ; the one char-
acter is as old as the other.

The account given of Hagen's birth by the Thidrek-
saga, which account has been adopted in the drama, seems
more likely to have been an attempt to explain the super-
natural character, which still in a measure attached to

17 249

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

Hagen, than an authentic tradition. Certainly the ver-
sion given in the drama is incorrect ; Alberich and Hagen,
so far from being father and son, are, in the very essence
of their being, utterly opposed to each other. Alberich,
or Elberich, is, as his name indicates, an elf or albe. These
beings are divided into two classes, Lichtalben and
Schwarzalben, and Simrock points out that this prefix in-
dicates no difference either in their character or their col-
our ; their common name, "Albe," is connected with albus,
"white," and both classes are of fair aspect and kindly
disposition; but one, the Lichtalben, have their home in
the sun, the other, the Schwarzalben, in the earth. The
whole character of Alberich, as depicted in German le-
gend, bears out this remark of Simrock's. His home is
certainly in the earth, as certainly he is not a Schwarzalbe
in the sense Wagner gives us to understand.

The poem of Konig Ortnit, a work apparently of the
early part of the thirteenth century, gives a very charm-
ing presentment of Alberich, and it seems not unlikely
that this poem has coloured the story of Hagen as given
in the Thidrek-saga. King Ortnit, on the eve of his de-
parture for the East to win as his bride a Moorish prin-
cess of far-famed beauty, receives from his mother a ring,
* which he is told to guard carefully, and bidden by her to
ride in a certain direction, where he will meet with ad-
ventures. He obeys her, and comes to a flowery meadow,
overshadowed by a linden, beneath which a lovely child
apparently some three or four years old lies asleep.
Ortnit, thinking this to be a strayed child, takes it in his
arms, when he receives a staggering blow on the chest,

250

COTTERDAMMERUNG

and finds to his surprise that this apparent infant is pos-
sessed of more than the strength of a full-grown man.
After a struggle between them the child reveals himself
as Alberich, king of the elves, and Ortnit's real father,
only visible to him by means of the ring his mother had
given him. He presents his son with a magnificent suit
of armour, and promises him his aid in winning the Moor-
ish princess, a promise which he faithfully keeps.

It is in this character of Elf-king that Alberich became
known in France, where his name has been modified to
OberonI Certainly the idea we attach to Oberon is
widely different from that suggested by Wagner's Al-
berich, but it is undoubtedly more in accordance with
original tradition.

The early part of the Thidrdc-saga represents Alberich
as a dwarf-king, through whose instrumentality Dietrich
of Bern wins his armour and the sword, Nagel-ring ; but
here, though not an unkindly character, he is represented
as a skilful thief, an evident confusion with Elbegast, or
Alegast, another elf or dwarf, who was a famous thief.
Whether this latter is the same as the mythical Naster-
thief, Agas^ referred to by the Meistersingers, is not
clear, but in the Waltherius, a work of the tenth century,
Hagen's father is called Agazi, which Lachmann identi-
fies with Agaz. The Thidrek-saga nowhere makes Al-
berich Hagen's father, and his connection with the Nibe-
lungen-lied seems entirely to depend on his well-known
character as guardian of a treasure, though there he
guards it for another, and not, as more correctly, for
himself.

t •

f
*

. i
I

•

THE NIBELUNCEN RING

It was probably a reminiscence of tlie well-known ta
of King Ortnit, combined with the fact that Alberich w;
already connected with the Nibelungen-lied, which ii
i* \ fluenced Wagner in his choice of Hagen's father; but

;* cannot be denied that the character of Alberich as repr

jV sented in the Ring does a grave injustice to a ver

I graceful and charming figure of German legend.

/ The fine incident in the drama, where the dead man

; :*; hand rises to repel Hagen's intended theft of the rinj

was doubtless suggested by the scene in the Nibelunger
lied where, as Siegfried lies in state in the Minstei
Kriemhild demands, in accordance with a well-know
mediaeval superstition, that Gunther and Hagen, wh
have stoutly denied any share in the hero's death (attrit
uting it to robbers), shall approach and touch the bier
and at Hagen's touch the wounds bleed afresh, thus mak
ing his guilt manifest to all. Gutrune's ready abandor
ment of her claim to Siegfried, at Briinnehild's demanc
is, though in accordance with the shadowy role assigne
to her in the drama, utterly at variance with the legenc
where the description of the bereaved wife's despai
forms an important feature in every version.

Some critics have held that it is the measureless grie
of Gudrun, to which the Northern saga has given sucl
magnificent expression, that spurs Brynhild on to her ac
of self-murder; it is the only way in which she cai
triumph over her hated rival, and win Sigurd for he
own.

In both the German versions of the legend Brynhib
disappears from the scene after Siegfried's death; he

252

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

vengeance sated, and her outraged dignity appeased, she
lias nothing more to do with the action of the story. But
it is undoubtedly far more in accordance with the mythical
origin of the character to make her die, as does Baldur's
wife, with the man she has loved so fiercely.

It is impossible to deny the grandeur of this closing
scene of the Gotterdammerung, but the grandeur of
Briinnhilde is that of the Valkyrie and not of the woman.
She may proclaim love to be the one eternal, enduring
good ; she may announce herself as having passed, as a
woman, through suffering to knowledge ; but it is impos-
sible not to feel that the love which makes eventually
for possession and not for renunciation, at the cost of
shame and suffering to the loved one, is not the highest
love, and that Briinnhilde, as a woman, had a great deal
more to learn! Practically, the philosophical lesson of
the drama, the renunciation of the will accepted by Wo-
tan, is rejected by Briinnhilde, who in her final action
is undoubtedly and exclusively actuated by the desire of
eternal union with, and possession of, her beloved
Siegfried.

And here, as the Rhine-maidens claim once more their
long-lost heritage, and the flames which denote the com-
pletion of the curse of the gold and the fall of Walhalla
and its gods light up the scene, the great drama finds its
fitting close; and we who have followed the action step
by step from its commencement may pause and ask
whether the form in which Wagner has cast the great
legend of the North is to be accepted as a true represen-
tation of its original form. Regarded from some aspects,

253

THE NIBELUNGEN RING

it may certainly be contended that the version given by
the drama, as far as it goes, does represent what was
probably the original shape of the story more accurately
than any ofic of the versions irom which Wagner drew,
and that a correct dramatic instinct has led him to com-
bine these older features which are not the special prop-
erty of any one version, but are elsewhere found apart
from each other: e.g. that he was right in representing
the hero as brought up in the solitude of the wood, and in
ignorance of his parentage, as in the Thidrek-saga, and
in combining that with his awakening of the Valk)rrie, the
special property of the Volsunga-saga ; right, too, in
representing Hagen as closely connected with the Treas-
ure — ^a real act of reconstruction, as this part of the
story had beccwne completely obscured, though the means
by which the connection is established do not approve
themselves as consonant with the primitive form; and
right in selecting, out of the conflicting versions of Sieg-
fried's death, that which is favoured by the German com-
pilers, and agrees best with the mythical origin of the
hero.

That, as a whole, this great work, in which Wagner's
aim was wider, if not higher, than in his other dramas,
is not his greatest success, must be admitted, but the
reason lies to the full as much with the material to be
moulded as with the hand of the moulder. A tradition
so colossal in its proportions, so urweltlich in its origin,
so extended in its ramifications, and so obscure in its
details, could hardly be brought into any form which
should represent swiftly and coherently the facts of the

254

GOTTERDAMMERUNG

story, deal with the hidden meaning of its mysterious
action, and do no injustice to the legend by the omission
of much which is of importance. As a matter of fact, it
would have needed not one Tetralogy alone, but two,
if not three, to deal adequately with the source of the
Hoard, the Life and Death of Siegfried, the vengeance
on his murderers, and final loss of the Treasure; and we
can hardly blame Wagner if we find the narrow limits of-
the one scarcely sufficient for the purpose ; it was well that
the work should be done, and none but he could have
done it

In the light of this twentieth century resuscitation
of the great Teutonic hero, the words of the old saga-
man have a quaintly prophetic ring when, speaking of
Siegfried, the compiler of the Thidrek-saga says: "And
therefore were his arms gold-inwrought because he sur-
passed all other men in dignity, and nobleness, and all
beauty; yea, even in the old sagas wherein men tell of
the strongest, and most famous, and most free-handed
of all heroes and princes: and his name goes abroad in
all tongues from the North even to the Greek-land sea,
and so shall it be so long as the world endures."

255

Legends Kindred to That of the Volsungs.

ASLOG.

Chapter I.

During prehistoric times in ancient Scandinavia, when
the land was divided into a number of little principalities,
over each of which a chief or king ruled, generally at
war with his neighbour, the liege of the bordering state,
there lived and ruled a famous family of chiefs called the
house of Volsung. Of these Sigurd Fafnirsbane, or
Snake-Killer, was the most renowned; he was espoused
to the warlike but beautiful Amazon Brynhild, whom he
had liberated from the charmed imprisonment of that
aforenamed mythical huge snake, which had held her
enthralled in a deep trance for a long time. The issue of
this union was a little daughter, whom they called Aslog.
However, the great warrior soon afterwards visited the
court of King Gjuke, whose daughter Gudrun became
enamoured of the heroic Snake-Killer. Her mother,
Queen Chriemhild, noticing this, and being skilled in the
black arts, prepared a charmed draught, which the unsus-
pecting Sigurd quaflfed, with the result that he became
inflamed with love of the Princess, and, faithless to his
betrothed Brynhild, married Gudrun. But her brother
Gunnar was desirous of wedding the abandoned Bryn-
hild, so far famed for beauty, strength and valour, and
persuaded Sigurd to lend him his horse Grane, the noble

2^6

ASLOG

Steed — noble indeed, for he is said to have measured
twelve feet in height, and was not to be conquered by
either lire or sword. Gunnar mounted this mighty
charger, to plunge through the flames with which the
dragon had surrounded Brynhild's castle. But, lol the
horse refused to obey the brave rider, and the Saga tells
that Sigurd lent him his own apparition, that is, ex-
changed bodies with him for the time, so as to effect a
passage through the fiery wall for the new suitor. This
mythical trick succeeded, and the faithful Brynhild wel-
comed her truant lover, as she naturally thought he was,
and then the nuptials were completed — ^and thus she mar-
ried Gunnar in the guise of Sigurd.

One day, some time afterwards, when Gudrun and
Brynhild went into a limpid stream that flowed hard by
the castle, inhabited in common by all the members of the
Volsung clan, to wash their loose flowing hair, Gudrun,
who was of a spiteful temper, began scoffing at her sister-
in-law, saying that she herself was compelled to wade
further into the stream that no drops of water that had
laved Brynhild's hair might bespatter and contaminate
her own tresses, which she weened they certainly would,
as Brynhild was only an Amazon and not a princess. To
this the insulted wife of Gunnar retorted that she was of
royal descent; but the vicious Gudrun railed at the in-
feriority of Gunnar, her own brother, to the hero of her
own choice, the far-famed Sigurd Fafnirsbane, and to the
astounded Brynhild laid bare the whole secret whereby
she had been beguiled into a union with Gunnar whilst
assuming the garb and corporeal presence of Sigurd.

257

OLD NORSE SAGAS

The injured Amazon, who now saw she had been de-
frauded of him she loved best, her betrothed lover, and
tricked into wedlock with a man she did not love, reserved
upon revenge. She easily persuaded Guttorm, another
member of the Volsung family, and who was jealous of
Sigurd's great fame as a hero, to murder her faithless
royal lover in his sleep, and thus revenge herself upon
him, and Gudrun, who had erst deprived her of him.
Guttorm performed this dark deed of blood, and murdered
the sleeping man, and even Sigurd's little son, a babe of
three years; but he also met his own death at the hand of
his victim in the hour of his diabolical triumph. But
when the revenge was accomplished, and Brynhild saw
her dead lover cold and motionless at her feet, her heart
was softened, and repentance came in utterings of deepest
lamentations; words of consolation fell unheeded on her
conscience-stricken spirit, and she fell upon her sword,
pierced to the heart ; and thus the proud Amazon followed
her lover to the Halls of Valhalla, and her corpse was
placed on the funeral pile of Sigurd, consumed by the
same flames, and their ashes mingled in the same urn.
But Atle, the brother of Brynhild, sought and obtained
the hand of Gudrun, the widowed Megara. When, after
some time, she had borne him two sons, he invited her two
brothers, Gunnar and Hogne, King Gjuke's sons, to cele-
brate the event with a feast. He did this purposing to
avenge Brynhild.

The two royal guests came suspecting nothing, but
Atle, as cruel as he was treacherous, caused the palpitat-
ing heart to be torn from Gunnar's breast; and the

258

ASLOG

younger brotfier, Hogne, he ordered to be flung alive
into a pitful of venomous snakes. Pitying people, how-
ever, threw a harp to the captive in his loathsome prison,
but as he had his arms tied behind him, he could only
touch the vibrating strings with his toes, which he did,
with the effect that he charmed his fell executioners, all
but one, which twisted itself around his naked body until
it reached his breast, and stung his heart, so that death
speedily followed.

When Gudrun became aware of the crud fate which
had befallen her two brothers, she raved, mad with grief ;
and killed her own two innocent babes, the children of
Atle.

When her dastardly husband with pomp and ceremony
celebrated the funeral obsequies of his two victims, Gud-
run, his spouse, brought him two beautiful cups, seem-
ingly wrought of ivory, with golden brims, and filled
with wine, urging him to pledge the memory of his two
brothers-in-law. When he had complied with her re-
quest, she told him, with fiendish glee, while passion al-
most overpowered her, that the goblets were made of the
skulls of their own two young children, and that thus she
had avenged the death of her two brothers on the father
of her own children. With this she rushed from the ban-
queting hall, frantic with rage and grief, only to return in
the dead of night to set fire to the house in which the
king slept, and in which conflagration he and his nearest
retainers perished

259

i /

•

» ■ r

•

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Chapter II.

1 * Dkarly loved at the court of Sigurd, there lived ai

exiled king called Heimer, who was the accepted scald o
' bard of this chief and hero ; and when Sigurd and Bryn

' hild met their untimely end, the old kingly bard took thei

* little daughter Aslog, then only a few years of age, an<

J -* hastened into other petty states, to seek refuge and sav

the only surviving child of her race from the genera

carnage which raged amongst her infuriated kinsfolk

Better to conceal his infantile charge, he had a large haq

constructed, in which he was able to hide the child.

', ' J And now began a period of strange adventures in tb

I *^ I ' lone and wild woods through which their course lay

.-i " Sometimes, when far from the habitations of men, tb

'" J old harper would allow his little darling to run by hi;

; '! side gathering flowers and berries from the wayside.

*" .. ' ' One evening, towards sunset, when Heimer was play-

ing on his harp to a goodly throng of listeners that hac
gathered from a small hamlet whose cots lay scatterec
in a glen in the mighty woods, the clear manly voice o:
the aged minstrel rose in accents liquid and sonorous tc
the accompaniment of the harp, for he sang the heart-
stirring lay about the love and fate of brave king Sigurd
and his beloved Brynhild, the beauteous and faithfu
Amazon, who killed herself for grief with her own sword
the eager audience — of whom some were lying on the
ground, while others standing formed a ring around —
looked at each other with amazement; for as the olc
man related in song, with almost inspiration, the touch-

260

^ f

ASLOG

ing story, they thought the very harp responded with sobs
and stifled cries to the burden of the piteous tale.

He was indeed a wonderful harper who could make
his very instrument echo the bitter grief that each felt
within himself. Mellow tones seemed at last to soothe
the awakened spirit of the harp, and then the old man
departed from the wondering group, and soon betook
himself with his instrument to a lonely path leading to-
wards the bay.

The moon shone out and threw a mystic glamour over
the forest scene. Then King Heimer stopped; his mien
still betrayed a king, though despoiled of all save the
nobility of soul within, and of which his whole bearing
seemed conscious. He opened the foot of the harp and
lifted out his little charge, Aslog, who had fallen asleep
within, overpowered with grief at the recollection of her
lost parents which the song had evoked in her loving and
childish heart.

It was a cold evening, and the stars were out ; so the
old man bethought himself that he had better warm little
Aslog in his embrace. Soon, locked in his arms, she
looked up into his face and leaned her head against his
cheek, when her silent tears trickled down into his long
white beard, and lay like gems reflecting the silvery glim-
mer of the moon-beams which like a halo played round
the group. "Hush, my little one, you have me still who
loves you, and the good god Balder, Odin's most beloved
son, the god of Light and Song. He will protect you
when I am dead and gone. Do you know, child, those
rustics and warriors who listened to my song about

261

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Sigurd and Brynhild (may Balder bless their unicHi in
Valhalla!) — they, simple folk, thought the harp be-
witched, because you muled and wailed, little one. Do
not do so again, but cheer up; we will soon arrive at a
place of refuge and safety, where we will find friends
that love us. If you weep in the harp to my plajring, and
bewitch the listeners, I shall have to call you my little
witch, and you would not like that, King Sigurd's
daughter! The old man had to sing out of tune to
drown your sobs; give me now a kiss and say you love
me as much as ever, though I won't let you cry. Vou
cry indeed ! the daughter of the famous hero and Amazon !
Oh no, we will have no more tears now, only love and
song. I see a lonely cot in the distance, for a spare light
is twinkling invitingly. Now you must retire into your
hiding-place for the night ; in the cot it will be warm and
quiet, and to-morrow at dawn we will proceed on our way,
and then you will have something to eat." Another lov-
ing kiss, the blessing of the night, and the door was
closed upon little Aslog, the fugitive princess child, a
little prisoner cradled in music. The old man now re-
sumed his staff, and descended the hill towards the sea.

Soon he reached the hut, and entering saw an old wo-
man, who was alone at home. He asked to be permitted
to stay there during the night, and that she would be-
friend him with something to satisfy his hunger.
Heimer was weary and cold, but it was with difficulty that
he persuaded the old woman to light the wood in the
big open fireplace ; at last, when a cheery blaze crackled
among the twigs and branches, and Heimer stretched out

262

.1

ASLOG

his stiff and weary limbs, the woman's manner suddenly
changed, and she became quite cheerful and friendly, for
when the aged wanderer held out his hands to warm them
at the genial flames, she discovered that he had a precious
golden ring encircling his arm. It was the custom of the
times to break pieces off for barter and for purchases.
And when she went near the harp she discovered a piece
of embroidered costly stuff showing through an aper-
ture, being at the opening of the little door. An evil
thought entered her wicked heart; she perceived the
stranger was in disguise, and she determined to get
possession of his valuables.

When her old man soon after came home, he also
hungry, weary, and shivering with cold, she told him in
a whisper that in the press slq>t an aged wanderer, who
as a beggar had asked for a night's lodging, but that he
carried with him a large harp, in which was secreted a
treasure of gold and valuable stuff. She urged him to
murder the sleeping man, and then for the rest of their
lives they would suffer from neither poverty nor want,
nor would need to work any more. Ake, the husband, at
first lent an unwilling ear to her proposal, but soon al-
lowed himself to be persuaded, and the two wicked old
creatures then speedily despatched their sleeping guest.

This crime accomplished, they eagerly hurried to the
harp, and opened the little door of the instrument; but
picture their surprise when out stepped a little girl, fair-
haired and blue-eyed, just awakened by their bustle, and
looking enquiringly around for her aged guardian. When
little Aslog saw the sinister-looking couple, she ran fright-

263

OLD NORSE SAGAS

ened to old Heimer, where he lay stretched on the floor ;
but when she could get no answer to her repeated calls
upon his name, even though she pulled him by his hands
and beard, as she was wont to do, she at last realized the
fact that her beloved protector was dead, and would speak
no more to her. She burst into bitter sobs, clinging to her
silent friend, and flung her little arms around his neck
and nestled in his clothes and silvery hair.

The inhuman old wretches considered for a short time
whether they should not murder the little girl as well;
but her despair was so touching, and her rare beauty so
winning, that at last they resolved to spare her and adopt
her as their own child. To silence inquisitive people who
might call at their lonely hut, she was forthwith dressed
in coarse grey baize, as was customary with the children
of bondsmen.

Chapter III.

ASLOG was compelled to remain with the old people,
who called her Kraka, and she grew up to become a most
beautiful maiden, slender, tall, and gfraceful, and with the
inborn gait of a princess. All who saw her admired her
wondrous beauty. Her native wit and wisdom were also
most remarkable, though she spoke but seldom, and never
with strangers, who therefore imagined she was deaf and
dumb. Only with her grim wardens did she exchange a
few words, when she was alone with them, and only then
when their daily intercourse compelled her, for she loathed
them from her inmost soul, because they had murdered

264

ASLOG

her beloved and venerated guardian, and detained her,
the daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild, a slave to wretched
bondsmen. She repeated to herself every day the song
Heimer had sung to his harp's accompaniment about her
heroic parents, and thus she kept in vivid recollection for
many long years the story of their loves and untimely fate.

There grew a tall pine tree by the hut, and when she
looked upon its ever-verdant beauty, she thought of the
stalwart form of her glorious father, and when she mir-
rored herself in the sylvan well, the recollection of her
mother's features stood clear before her.

When Kraka had lived with the wicked old couple thus
for more than twelve years — she was now sixteen years
old — ^a Viking sailed into the creek one day with several
galleys, and landed with his men near her home. It was
no less a person than Ragnar Lodbrook, a hero famous all
over the north for his deeds of daring. When the hut
was observed by the mariners, some of the men were sent
thither to bake some bread, of which provision they had
been short for the last few days.

When the men returned with the hard-baked bread, it
was found to be burned and wholly spoiled; upon this
the Viking became greatly exasperated, and gave orders
to have the negligent fellows severely punished. But the
men tried to excuse themselves, and said that in the hut
they had beheld such a beautiful maiden that they had
quite forgotten all about the bread in the oven, and they
could not help it, for she had quite bewitched them.

The Viking became interested at this, and asked who
the girl might be. They answered that she was the

18 265

OLD NORSE SAGAS

daughter of Ake and Grima, the bondsmen who lived in
the hut, though they could scarcely believe it, for they
were such an aged and repugnant-looking couple, and the
old woman such a vicious old harridan ; and yet they said
she was their daughter Kraka, their only child, who
tended the goats on the mountain slopes. But her beauty,
they persisted, was fairly bewitching, and her bearing
that of a queen. "Impossible!" the Viking answered, "I
cannot believe it. You have all seen my lamented con-
sort, the incomparable Thora, and any one who ever saw
her ought not to speak of other women's loveliness." Yet
the men maintained that the girl's rare beauty would in
every respect vie with that of their dead queen. Then
the chief ordered that Kraka should immediately be
brought before him, and promised that if he really found
her so exceedingly lovely as the men had g^ven out, he
would forgive them their n^ligence.

Kraka was soon brought, and Ragnar Lodbroc^ was
even more bewitched than his men by her incomparable
beauty, and was quite spellbound by the prudent and ready
answers she gave to all his questions. The Viking thought
her a fair prize, and took her aboard his own galley, and
told her she should never return to the old people at the
hut. Her radiant beauty at first repelled every advance
from the wild and passionate hero of many lands, for she
was virtuous as she was wise and beautiful; and this
pleased her captor much, and he could not help admiring
that lofty spirit which dared even him, the hero of his
time. Ragnar was famed for always being kind and con-
siderate to women, a virtue which in later times might

266

ASLOG

have been called chivalrous; and though she concealed
even from him her royal descent, he made her his lawful
wife and queen.

Ragnar already possessed two sons, Eric and Agnar, by
his former consort, and they found in Kraka a loving
stepmother; indeed the young queen, through her many
virtues and rare wisdom, endeared herself not only to her
newly-found family, but to all the people over whom
Ragnar Lodbrook ruled. Many years of happy married
life followed, during which she presented her royal hus-
band with five sons, all of whom became more or less
famous in the warfares of the times.

When King Ragnar, already advanced in years, was
on a visit to King Eisten Bele, one of the Swedish petty
kings, he saw this chief's daughter Ingeborg, whose beauty
quite captivated the gallant champion. "The Princess"
went the round of the table at the banquet given in his
honour, and filled the goblets of the royal guest. Her
beauty, and the wine, must have intoxicated him, for he
determined upon separating himself from Kraka, whom
he but knew as a bondsman's daughter, and thus unwor-
thy to share his throne, and then marry Ingeborg, the
daughter of a king, as more befitting his royal state.
Eisten Bele readily consented to this union, to be con-
tracted as soon as Ragnar had rid himself of Kraka.
When the ice broke up Ragnar sailed away, promising to
return during the summer to celebrate the nuptials with
the fair Ingeborg.

Upon his return home he divulged nothing to Kraka
of his design, but the news came to her through other

267

OLD NORSE SAGAS

channels at the court. Instead of upbraiding her spouse^
she resorted to other means far wiser; she increased her
loving attention to him, and was more charming' than
ever; and she told the king that at last she thought the
right time had come to tdl him who were her real par-
ents, and that she was no vile bondsman's child. With
unfeigned amazement he learnt that she was the daughter
of Sigurd and Brynhild ; he listened eagerly to the recital
of her wondrous flight in the harp, effected by King Hei-
mer, and to her tale of woe during her long captivity with
Ake and Grima. His joy to possess a queen of noble de^
scent and equal to himself was sincere; he thought he had
never loved her so well before, and dispelled all thoughts
of parting with her. The image of Ingeborg vanished
from his heart for ever, and no journey to Eisten Bele was
taken to celebrate the contemplated union, which this war-
rior thought a great insult to him, as his daughter was a
princess, and he the King of Upsala. But Eisten Bele got
no opportunity to avenge this breach of promise, for
Queen Aslog, the name she now resumed, persuaded her
two stepsons to hasten to Ui>sala to war with its king in
his own domains. This they did, but Agnar fell in the
battle, which grieved his noble and grateful stepmother
as if he had been her own son.

When Ragnar Lodbrook, on one of his seafaring ex-
peditions, fell into the hands of King Ella of Northumbria,
and by his victor was thrown into a pit filled with ser-
pents, and there met his tragic death, which event is re-
corded in the English Chronicles, Aslog sent all her own
five sons to avenge his death. She survived her spouse

268

ASLOG

many years, a disconsolate widow, honouring the memory
of the noble Viking who had rescued her from ignoble
thraldom and made her queen of his heart and realm, —
Aslog, the little child princess, who had lain in a harp,
and sobbed in harmony with its tremulous strings to the
piteous lay recording the fate of her hapless parents.

2G9

FRITHIOF THE BOLD, AND FAIR

INGEBORG.

During King Dele's rule his land was one of the most
prosperous and fertile of Norway. He was celebrated for
his noble deeds, and for his many famous campaigns in
distant lands. His faithful friend and companion in all
his expeditions was Torsten Wikingson. Naturally the
country flourished under the protection of two such noUe
men, and no enemy ever dared invade their territory. At
the time that our story begins they were both old men,
but whenever they sat in the Assembly of the Nobles they
had always good advice to give, and when they told of the
wonders of foreign lands, and of their adventures in for-
mer years, the guests listened in such breathless silence
that they forgot to empty their goblets.

The palace of the king, in which was a hall spacious
enough to entertain two thousand people, was situated
on a hill. In the valley beneath flowed a brook, beside
which the two friends would often take their walks, some-
times also ascending a little eminence, which projected
into the sea, from which they had a lovely view of the
surrounding country.

One day when they had mounted this little hill, they
threw themselves down on the green turf to rest, and their
conversation turned to bygone days, and to their approach-

270

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

ing departure from this world. By-and-bye they sent for
their three sons, who presently joined them. First came
Helge, Bele's eldest son, whose expression was dark and
sinister, for he was in the habit of spending most of his
time in the temple, where the priests initiated him in the
mysteries of the oracle. Next came Halfdan, a laughing
merry boy, and between these two, and a head taller than
either of them, was Frithiof, Torsten's son, who had a
manly countenance, and seemed to be conscious of his su-
perior strength.

"My sons," said the king, as they approached, "you
stand on holy ground, for your fathers, being old men, arc
weary of their long labours, and now intend quitting this
world." He then proceeded to give them his parting
advice, and to explain to them his last wishes, exhorting
them to live together in love and unity, and to devote
themselves to the good government of the country that he
left to their charge. "To thee, Helge," he continued,
turning towards his eldest son, "I leave the special care of
thy sister Ingeborg. Be a father to her, but on no ac-
count force her to do anything against her will, and
above all in her choice of a husband she is to be perfectly
free."

After they had said all they wished, Bele and Torstcn
dismissed their sons with their blessings, directing them,
as a parting request, to raise on the spot where they were
then resting a monument, with an inscription which
should make known to all who visited the place that they
had been faithful to one another till death, and that they
had ever protected the rights of their peofrfe.

271

OLD NORSE SAGAS

As soon as the funeral was over, and the montiment
erected over the ashes of the departed heroes, Frithiof
returned to Framnas, his father's estate. Here he found
many costly heirlooms, amongst others, a magnificent
bracelet, the clasp of which was formed of a sparkling
ruby, and which was so wonderfully made that it would
exactly fit any arm. Besides this he found a sword called
Angurwadel, which had a golden hilt, and a blade with
a peculiar sparkle, and also a beautiful ship, Ellide, which
had been a present from the mighty sea-god -^sir, on the
occasion of his being entertained by Wiking, an ancestor
of Torsten's.

Twelve warriors were equipped, ready to fight for and
to defend Frithiof in case of war, and indeed there was
nothing wanting in the mansion which human heart could
possibly desire. Nevertheless Frithiof felt lonely and un-
happy, for he missed the one being who was dearer to him
than all else in the world. But he knew where to find
his beloved, for she was no other than fair Ing-eborg,
King Bele's daughter, and Helge's sister. He had been
brought up with her, and therefore knew well how to
value her pure and loving heart, which he could not but
know had, since childhood, belonged to him. He deter-
mined therefore to seek her, and ask her if she would
share with him his life and his fortunes.

FRITHIOI^ AND INGKBORG.

Early the next morning Frithiof set out for Helge's
palace. On arriving he entered the great hall, the walls
of which were adorned with tapestry and arms, and in the

2y2

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

centre of which grew an oak-tree so tall that the top had
grown through an opening in the apartment, and its fo-
liage spread over the glass roof. At first sight he thought
the hall was empty, but presently he perceived fair Inge-
borg, seated at the foot of the oak, engaged in embroid-
ering a sky-blue mantle, with a gold border. She did not
hear him as he softly approached, and stood looking over
her shoulder examining her work. He saw that she was
embroidering on the mantle a figure of Balder, but what
was his delight when he recognised in the young and
beautiful god a likeness of himself! A cry of joy escaped
his lips ; Ingeborg started, turned hastily round, and sank
into her lover's arms. For a happy hour they sat together
talking over the days of their childhood ; until at length
Frithiof spoke of the object of his visit to his beloved, and
of his hopes for the future. "But," said she hesitating,
as she sat with her trembling hand clasped in his, "think-
est thou that my brother Helge, who now stands in my
father's place to me, will give his consent ?" "Children,"
interrupted Hilding, the instructor of Torsten and Inge-
borg in their childhood, who had entered the apartment
unperceived, "build not your hopes on Helge. He is
proud of being a descendant of Odin, and will not will-
ingly give his sister in marriage to the son of a peasant."
"Then will I demand her hand from the community."
cried Frithiof, "which surely ranks above the son of
Odin."

Accordingly the young hero hastened to Framnas, and
embarking in his ship Ellide, made his way to the hill
which contained the ashes of Torsten and Bele. Here

273

OLD NORSE SAGAS

he found the kings administering justice, and i
ately laid his request before them, adding that Ingeborg
favoured his suit, and that King Bele would probably
have sanctioned it, as he had allowed them to be brought
up together. In ending his speech, he prcmiised to be the
faithful friend and protector of the land.

"Thou holdest thy head high," replied Helge, "but the
daughter of Odin is not for the son of a peasant. She
is destined to marry none but an equal; and as for my
country, I am able myself to protect it." "A peasant girl,"
said Halfdan, "is more fitted to sweep thy palace than the
daughter of Odin." "Or, if thou art in want of employ-
ment," continued Helge, sarcastically, "become my ser-
vant. Thou canst have a place amongst my menials."
"I am a free man," cried Frithiof proudly, "and from the
community will I demand the hand of fair Ingeborg.
But in the meantime, come not thou too near my sword/'
and with these words he drew Angurwadel from its
sheath, and with a mighty stroke cleft the king's golden
shield, which hung on a tree hard by.

KING SIGURD RING'S COURTSHIP.

In the royal palace at Upsala, enthroned beneath a can-
opy of gold, and surrounded by five hundred warriors,
sat the aged monarch, Sigurd Ring. Graceful maidens
waited on the king and the courtiers, and filled their gob-
lets with sparkling wine; but no sounds of merriment
were to be heard in the palace; all was hushed and sad,
and the king himself sat stern and silent on the throne.
He was thinking of his departed queen, who had died

274

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

many years before, leaving him and his orphaned chil-
dren lonely and forsaken in the great palace, which looked
deserted now it was no longer graced by her royal pres-
ence. As the king sat sadly thinking of the happy bygone
days, one of the youthful courtiers, seizing a harp, sang,
in clear and manly tones, a song to the memory of the de-
parted queen, whom the angel of death had so soon called
away from the side of her devoted spouse. From this
song he drifted on into another, in which he sang the
praises of a beautiful and pure maiden, who dwelt in Hild-
ing's mansion, and who might be tempted to regard with
favour the mighty monarch of the North, and to bring
joy and contentment into his palace once more, by coming
to grace it with her fair presence. As the song ended, it
was loudly applauded on all sides, for many of the court-
iers present had formerly been Hilding's companions-in-
arms, and having seen fair Ingeborg in his house, had
learnt to appreciate her noble character and high intellect,
and deemed her worthy to share the throne of their be-
loved ruler, and to be a second mother to his orphan chil-
dren. The king listened with favour to their advice, and
thought it would be well to follow it. "For," said he,
"though she be still young, if she should choose me of her
own free will, and be a kind mother to my orphan chil-
dren, I will vow to love and honour her as I did the de-
parted queen."

Accordingly he despatched messengers, laden with
costly gifts, to Helge's court, to persuade him to give him
his sister Ingeborg in marriage. Helge, after having
sumptuously entertained the messengers, offered sacrifices

275

OLD NORSE SAGAS

in Balder's temple, in order to ascertain whether or no the
god favoured Sigurd Ring's proposal. He declared that
the signs were unfavourable, and that, therefore, he could
not give his sister in marriage to the king. Halfdan,
sneering at Sigurd Ring's advanced age, declared that it
was a pity he had not come to court his bride himself,
for in that case he would with his own hands have helped
him to mount his steed. The messengers, infuriated by
Helge's refusal and Halfdan's ridicule, returned to their
country, and told the king what had occurred, which so
incensed the aged monarch that he immediately declared
war against Helge, exclaiming that he would soon prove
that he had strength enough left to chastise two imperti-
nent boys.

frithiof's departure.

Late at night fair Ingeborg sat in Balder's temple,
where she had been placed by her brother Helge, to pro-
tect her in case of danger during the ensuing war with
Sigurd Ring. Frithiof had promised to visit her there,
and though she anxiously awaited his arrival, she yet
feared the anger of Balder, whose temple, at that hour,
it was sacrilege for any layman to enter. Weary of
watching, she at length stepped out into the starlit night,
and advanced as far as the golden chain which marked the
boundary of the sacred grove. Presently she heard foot-
steps, and the next moment her lover had sprung lightly
over the barrier which separated them, and stood beside
her.

**Oh! think of Balder," exclaimed she in terrified ac-
cents, "the holy god, whose temple thou pollutestT'

276

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

"Balder is a gentle, loving god," replied Frithiof, "and
will not chide us for our love. To-morrow,. dearest Inge-
borg, I shall demand thy hand of the community, which
assembles on Bele's Hill. In return, I will promise the
services of my good sword in the war against Sigurd
Ring; and I will fight for our cause, for our love is chaste
and pure as the stars above us, and as the god of Virtue
and Innocence on whose ground we stand.'*

The next day the assembly met together on Bele's Hill
to make preparations for the approaching war. "Where
is Frithiof?" was demanded on all sides. "If he fights
for us, Val-father is sure to give us the victory." As
they spoke, Frithiof, the picture of youth, beauty, and
strength, approached, and stepping into their midst, made
known to them his request.

"The hero Frithiof, the protector and friend of our
country, is worthy of the daughter of Odin," such was the
unanimous decision of the assembly.

"I accept the verdict," said Helge, "but Ingeborg shall
never be given to one who has broken through the holy
boundary of Balder's territory, to deceive a foolish maid
with protestations of love. Frithiof, thou didst converse
last night. with Ingeborg in Balder's grove— deny it if
thou darest!"

"Deny it!" cried a thousand voices simultaneously,
"deny it, and Odin's daughter shall be thine!" But if his
life had depended on his answer Frithiof could not have
told a lie. He answered in a firm, clear voice: "I did
hold converse with her in the grove of the Temple —
surely that is no outrage on the god of Love?" He

277

OLD NORSE SAGAS

could say no more, his voice was drowned b) tiK, clash-
ing of shields and swords.

"Woe, woe to the polluter of the holy Temple!" was
the cry on all sides, and the warriors shrank from him
as from a pestilence.

"Banishment or death to the desecrator of the Tem-
ple," said the king, "such is the law of our country. But
nevertheless I will be merciful to the man who calls him-
self the protector of the land. Let him go to Angantyr,
the king of the Isles, and demand from him the tribute-
money which has not been paid since my father's death.
And if he should return unsuccessful, let him be deprived
of honour and banished from the land. What say you,
my friends, do you approve of my decision ?" His words
were instantly followed by a clash of arms, which signi-
fied the assent of the community, and Frithiof, on hear-
ing it, strode haughtily from the assembly, his counte-
nance darkened by the passion which glowed in his breast.

Once more fair Ingeborg sat in Balder's temple at
night, and awaited the coming of her lover. As soon as
she heard the sound of his footsteps she went out into the
grove to meet him, and he, springing over the golden
chain as before, joined her where she stood. He then
told her all that had occurred, and ended by assuring her
that he would soon succeed in obtaining the tribute-money
from Angantyr, either by persuasion or by his sword.

"When I have done so I will send the money to Helge,"
said he, "for then will the people who disown me now, ac-
knowledge that I have redeemed my honour. But thou,
dearest Ingeborg, must follow me to Angantyr's Island.

278

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

My ship Ellide, which lies ready on the shore close by,
will take us first there, and then further towards the
south, to a beautiful land where perpetual summer reigns,
and where the trees bear golden fruit. In this country
there lived formerly a free and noble people, but they
have gradually sunk into bondage. It shall be our en-
deavour to win back for them their freedom, so that they
shall flourish once more, and then will we live together
peacefully in this happy land."

"Sweet hope indeed," replied Ingeborg, in tears, "but
I cannot go with thee."

"Thou canst not! and who shall prevent thee?" cried
Frithiof.

"It is my honour that prevents me," said Ingeborg,
"thy honour and mine. Were I to accompany thee, the
world would blame me, and look down upon me, and
then wouldst thou too cease to love and honour me."

Long did Frithiof try to win her over, but in vain ; the
virtuous maiden was not to be moved from her rcsoluticm.
At length Frithiof, overcome with grief and passion —

"Persist in thy heartless resolve," cried he. "I leave
thee to pursue my lonely wanderings, and soon I trust
to find, in the grave, the peace I have in vain sought on
earth." He turned to go without even bidding her adieu,
but she laid her soft hand upon his arm, and held him
back.

"Frithiof," said she, "wilt thou rob me of the knowl-
edge of thy love, the only comfort that remains to me in
my lonely hours ? Sometimes, when for days I have wept
and mourned thine absence, I look up at the sky at night,

279

OLD NORSE SAGAS

and in the stars I think I see thy beloved image, and hold
thy hand in mine, and dream that I shall hold it so for
ever."

"Ingeborg!*' cried Frithiof, "thou dost not dream!
The gods have sent thee a vision of the future. Listen !
I shall sail straightaway for Angantyr's Isle, and return
with the tribute money, before Sigurd Ring has had time
to invade the land. He will not be able to withstand my
sword; I shall conquer him, and then will the people no
longer refuse to give thee in marriage to the deliverer of
their country/' Saying this, Frithiof clasped round her
arm, as a token of their plighted troth, the golden brace-
let with the precious ruby, w^hich had been left him as
an heirloom by his father, and after holding her once
more to his heart, he left her, and made his way to the
shore, where lay EllidCy his ship, in the charge of his
faithful friends, who were ready to accompany him to
Angantyr's Island.

THE VOYAGE.

The rising sun saw Frithiof\s ship dancing merrily on
the waves, and rapidly making her way towards Ang^an-
tyr's Isle. The voyage lasted several weeks, during which
time they encountered more than one heavy storm; but
thanks to Frithiof's courage and experience at sea, they
at length arrived safely at their destination.

Angantyr made the strangers welcome, and entertained
them at his court, with all possible hospitality; but. when
Frithiof informed him of the object of his visit, he re-
plied : **I have never paid tribute to any land, nor will

280

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

I do so now, and whoever demands it of me must obtain
it by the sword. But out of gratitude for the help which
Torsten and Bele rendered me when I needed it, it has
been my wont to send them yearly a gift from my treas-
ury. Thou, Frithiof, being their heir, art entitled to a
like gift." With these words he handed to Frithiof a
purse filled with gold.

Frithiof, satisfied with having accomplished the object
of his visit to Angantyr, was now all impatience to set
sail for his own country; but he was unwillingly com-
pelled to delay his departure, as his vessel needed repair-
ing after the heavy storms she had endured ; and then the
autumn winds setting in, drove great icebergs from the
North into the vicinity of the Islands, and rendered their
departure an impossibility. During the winter, therefore,
they were forced to remain the guests of Angantyr.
Frithiof alone was dissatisfied at this arrangement; his
heart was ever in Haider's grove, which contained all
that was dear to him in the world, and he could not dis-
pel the dark presentiments that clouded his soul when
he thought of how long he had been parted from his be-
loved.

Spring returned at last, with its blue sky and its bud-
ding trees and flowers. There was no longer any obsta-
cle to prevent the departure of Frithiof and his friends,
and they accordingly set sail at once to return to their
own country. After a prosperous voyage of some weeks,
they at length came in sight of land, and by-and-bye they
could distinguish Balder's temple as it rose against the
sky

W 281

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Prithiof, who stood at the helm, strained his eyes to
catch the first glimpse of his beloved home. As they ap-
proached still nearer to the land, he could see the hills
and valleys, the woods, and even the silvery brooks of
his native land. But suddenly he beheld a sight that
filled him with dismay, for on the spot where formerly
had stood the noble castle of his ancestors nothing was
now to be seen but a heap of black and smouldering^ ruins !
The shore was quite deserted ; none of his faithful sub-
jects were there, as in former days, to welccxne him home.

Presently the vessel reached the strand, and Frithiof
disembarked. As he did so, a solitary bird came flutter-
ing round him, which he instantly recognised as his fa-
vourite falcon. It flapped its wings impatiently, as if it
would reveal some secret, but Frithiof could not under-
stand its signs. As he stood awestruck and wondering
with the bird on his hand, he saw old Hilding, the friend
of his childhood, approaching. He hailed him with de-
light, and implored him to tell him at once all that had
occurred during his absence.

'*It is a sad tale to tell," said Hilding. "Soon after thy
departure, King Sigurd Ring invaded the land ; a bloody
battle ensued, in which Helge was beaten. As soon as
he saw that the battle was lost he took to flight, but in
doing so he threw a burning torch into the hall of thy
castle, cursing its owner, who was not there to protect it
against the enemy. The conqueror then offered to make
peace, on one condition, namely, that fair Ingeborg should
be given him in marriage. But she, true to her absent
lover, refused to consent to this. Then the nobles of the

282

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

land did their best to persuade her to accede to the King s
demands, representing to her that on her depended the
weal or woe of the land, until at last, after a fearful
struggle with herself, she consented to become a martyr
for her country's sake."

Frithiof, on hearing these fatal words, turned first
deadly pale, and then crimson with anger.

"Woe, woe to the man," cried he bitterly, "who ever
again believes in the promises of a woman !"

"Calm thyself, Frithiof," said Hilding; "endure that
which the gods, and not man, have ordained."

"I cannot endure it calmly," cried he. "Come, to-day
is Midsummer Day, and the priest will be offering sac-
rifices in Balder's temple. Thither we will go, and I will
show them how well I can aid them in their sacred du-
ties!"

THE WOLF IN THE TEMPl,E.

It was evening, and the priests were assembled in
Balder's temple to offer sacrifices to the god. In their
midst, and assisting them in the slaughter of the victims,
stood Helge. Suddenly a clash of arms was heard in the
outer court, succeeded by the sound of Frithiof's voice.
The next minute Frithiof himself entered the temple, and
striding up to where the king stood, he flung a purse full
of gold into his face, crying: "Here is the ransom, by
which I redeem my honour. But I have yet to avenge
the destruction of Framnas, and above all to recover the
bracelet, which thou hast stolen from fair Ingeborg to
adorn the image of Balder."

283

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Hardly had the words escaped his lips when he caught
sight of the bracelet on the arm of the god, and hasten-
ing to the spot, he tried in vain to loosen it from the arm,
on which it seemed to have grown. At length, by using
all his strength, he succeeded in wrenching it away, but
in doing so the violence of the sudden shock loosened the
image from its stand, and it fell with a crash on to the pile
where the priests were offering the sacrifices. In an in-
stant there was a tremendous blaze; the flames rose so
high that they set fire to the rafters and to the tapestry
on the walls, and before long the whole temple was on
fire. A fearful tumult arose; the people rushed hither
and thither, bringing water, and tearing down the burn-
ing tapestry and woodwork. But their efforts were all in
vain; the flames spread every moment, making the sky
blood-red for miles around. Frithiof, who had never in
his life submitted to any man, found himself obliged to
submit to the gods. In great distress of mind he wan-
dered away from the sad scene, where human aid was no
longer of any avail, and as he passed through the people
they fled from him, crying out : "There goes the desecra-
tor of the Temple! the wolf in the Holy Place {Warg
i weum) !"

KING SIGURD RING'S COURT.

Frithiof was now an exile, feared, hated, and shunned
by everybody, with nothing left to him but his ship Ellide,
and the faithful friends who had accompanied him on his
voyage to Angantyr's Isle. In this ship he now traversed
the seas far and wide, engaging in many battles, and

284

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

gathering around him many brave warriors, who accom-
panied him in their own ships on his bold enterprises.
Victory attended him everywhere, and kings and princes
paid him tribute, for the terror of his name had spread
far and wide.

Nevertheless he found neither rest nor peace for his
soul, for the curse of the offended deity, whose temple
he had destroyed, seemed ever to be upon him; neither
could he tear from his heart the memory of her who
had been so cruelly stolen from him, for in the clouds
he seemed constantly to see her fair image, and in the
rushing of the waters to hear her gentle voice. He be-
lieved that if he could but see her once again, and hold
her hand in his, he should be at peace once more.

Impressed with this idea, he set out for King Sigurd
Ring's Court, knowing that that was the only place
where he had a chance of seeing her. Not wishing, how-
ever, to be recognised as Ingeborg's lover, he wrapped
himself in a bearskin, and procured a staff to lean upon,
that he might be taken for an old man, and in this dis-
guise he entered the palace of the king. Here he found
many guests assembled, who were drinking, and making
merry, so that at first his entrance remained unnoticed.
But no sooner had the courtiers caught sight of the
stranger who stood in the doorway than they began to
ridicule him and point at him. One of them even ven-
tured to pluck at his bearskin, upon which he seized the
offender in his strong arms, and turning him upside
down, stood him on his head. Having thus displayed his
strength, no one dared again to molest him. The king,

28s

OLD NORSE SAGAS

however, who had heard the disturbance, cried out to
know what the noise was about, and on being informed,
commanded the stranger to come forward, and state his
business. Frithiof, stepping before the throne, forthwith
told the king how^ after weathering many storms, his ship
had at last been wrecked on Sigurd Ring's coast, and
that having heard that the king was celebrated for his
hospitality to strangers, he had ventured to seek shelter
at his court. **Instead of hospitality, however," he con-
cluded, "I have received nothing at thy court but con-
tempt and ridicule, for which I have not hesitated to
chastise the principal oflfender."

"Well said," replied the king; "but now I pray thee
drop thy disguise, for I know thee to be other than thou
seemest."

At these words Frithiof let the bearskin fall from off
his shoulders, and great was the astonishment of all pres-
ent to behold, instead of an aged cripple, a tall and pow-
erful man, in the prime of life, dressed in a costly suit of
sky-blue and gold, with a silver girdle roimd his waist.
The king begged him to be seated, and requested the
queen to present him with a goblet of wine. Ingeborg,
blushing, approached the guest, and as she handed him
the goblet she trembled so that some of the wine was spilt
on her fair hand.

"I drink to the queen,*' cried Frithiof joyfully, as he
raised the goblet to his lips, for he knew- now that Inge-
borg not only recognised him, but that she loved him
still.

During the whole of the ensuing winter, Frithiof re-

286

wltrt ha<1 \<r^n^ *hr tUetTTlwori-,

Atut-bAl h.i

nun ■.' I'l' •■'■.tn.ii. nna i
>im with a goblet of f
'i«l the guest, and U I
iiUct) so that KNiic of if

ic queen," cried Pritlwkf-j
riusctl ((m: k- AAtt iti hift lipft. for he kr
borg not t>n!> recogniccd htm, but I
stilt.
During ijie whole of the cnsniog winter,

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

mained the guest of King Sigurd Ring, who soon leanit
to love the stranger, and to find in him a faithful friend
and companion.

One day, as they were driving on the ice in a sledge,
the ice suddenly gave way, and Frithiof, by dint of his
great strength and presence of mind, succeeded in drag-
ging the sledge out of the water, thereby saving the
king's life, while the other courtiers had kept away as far
as possiUe from the scene of danger. When spring came
round again, he frequently accompanied the king when
he went hunting, but the aged monarch sometimes felt
fatigued before the end of the hunt, and would stop to
rest On one of these occasions, he washed to stay behind
alone with Frithiof, who in vain represented to him the
danger of remaining unattended in the wood. The king
would not be convinced, and anon he fell asleep, with his
head resting in Frithiof's lap. Presently two birds, one
black and the other white, came flying down from the
trees above. The black bird fluttered close to Frithiof,
and whispered in his ear: "Now is thy time, if thou
hopest ever to call the queen thine own. The king is in
thy power, thou hast but to thrust thy sword into his
heart, and in this lonely wood no one will be the wiser."
But the white bird's song was in a very diflferent strain.
"The eyes of the gods," it sang, "penetrate even into the
darkest woods. They would know of the evil deed, and
would find means of punishing the perpetrator."

"But think," continued the black bird, "think of the
beauty of the queen. Courage, be not a coward; one
stroke of thy sword, and she is thine for ever." And

287

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Pritfaiof did draw his sword; for one instant he hdd it
atoft, then with all his strength he flung it from him, ao
that it fell down a precipice dose by. No sooner had he
done so than the black bird screamed and disappeared,
but the white one spread its wings and flew strai|g|it up
to Heaven.

The king awakened by the clatter of tne sword as it
felly raised his head, and turning to Prithiof » exclaimed :
'This sleep has indeed been blessed to me, for it has
taught me to appreciate the true worth of the man whom
I received in my palace as a stranger, and have since
entertained as my guest. I confess now that I recognised
thee, Prithiof, from the first, for I had heard so mudi
of the hero who, exiled from his native land for settii^
fire to Balder's temple, was feared by every one on land
and sea. I expected thee to come with an army to rob
me of my kingdom and my wife ; instead of which thoa
camest in a beggar's garb, — perhaps, thought I, intent
on a foul murder. I wished to prove thee, Prithiof,
therefore I rested just now on thy knee. Thou hast no-
bly stood the test, and art indeed a hero, for not only
hast thou conquered brave warriors on the field of battle,
but above all thou hast conquered that subtle enemy
who whispers his poisoned words into the ears of men,
and tempts them to evil deeds. Therefore I am now
prepared to bequeath to thee my kingdom and my wife,
for thou art worthy of them! Befriend my young son,
and make of him a hero such as thou art. As for me, it
is time I quitted the world, but I will die a death worthy
of a warrior — I will betake myself to my vessel, and there
await my fate." ^gg

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

"I thank thee, my king," replied Frithiof ; "but it is
thy son, and not I who shall succeed to thy throne. I
am an unhappy exile, pursued by the vengeance of the
gods, and a peaceful life is denied me. A warlike life
must be mine; I am destined to battle against wind and
wave, and to fight against the anger of the god whom I
have oflfended. Adieu, my king! greet fair Ingeborg
from me, and bid her walk no more upon the shore, for
fear the waves should wash my corpse to her feet."
So speaking, the unhappy man strode away into the
wood, no one knew whither.

Shortly after this, the king Sigurd Ring called to-
gether the free nobles of his land, and telling them that
he felt it was time for him to depart from this world,
bade them choose for themselves a new king. Beside
him stood his young son, Ragnar Lodbrook, the child of
his first wife, who, though only fifteen years of age, was
a strong brave youth, bearing a marked resemblance to
his father. The nobles were unanimous in choosing him
for their king, and lifting him upon the royal shield they
carried him about in triumph. The aged monarch now
took a tender farewell of his people and of his young son,
exhorting them to maintain peace, and to devote their
lives to the good of their native land. He then em-
barked in his vessel, which had previously been filled with
tow steeped in oil, and as the fresh breeze which sprang
up drove it out into the open sea, he took a burning
torch and flung it into the hold of the vessel. In a few
minutes the whole ship was on fire, and those on shore
could see the mighty flames rise higher and higher, and

289

OLD NORSE SAGAS

reflect themselves against the sky; till, as the burning
vessel drifted away, the red light of the flames grew
fainter, and at last disappeared below the horizon.

frithiof's atonement.

It was evening, and Frithiof stood alone on Torsten's
Hill watching the sun, as it sank to rest in the western
sky. As he stood thus the happy days of his childhood
rose upon his memory, the days which he had spent in
fair Ingeborg's company, when they had wandered to-
gether in the fields and valleys, plucking the wild flow-
ers, and carving their names on the bark of the trees.
But suddenly this fair picture was darkened by the mem-
ory of the two brothers, who had been the destroyers of
his peace and happiness, and the authors of the crimes
he had committed.

"Vengeance!' whispered a small voice within him.

"Yes, vengeance!" cried he aloud. "Vengeance on
those who have blighted the fair prospect of my life!
When that is accomplished then I too will die, and my
blood shall atone to the gods for my crimes. Oh, hear
me, father Torsten,*' cried he, — "give thy son some sign
by which he may know that he is heard."

The waves continued to break upon the shore, and the
gentle wind to sigh in the valley ; and the stars came out
one by one; but no sound or sign was sent to comfort
him. Presently he turned his eyes upon the hill where
Balder's temple had formerly stood, and looking up to-
wards heaven, he perceived a faint light in the sky, which,
as he gazed, grew stronger and brighter, and in the

290

FRJTHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

miast of it appeared a vision, which he instantly recog-
nised as the image of Balder's temple.

Overcome with wonder and joy, he sank upon his
knees, and covered his face with his hands. He under-
stood the vision which his father had sent him; neither
death nor blood was demanded of him as the expiation
of his crime; but a new temple in place of the old one
was the atonement which the god required.

Frithiof therefore lost no time in seeing the great work
commenced. A thousand hands were employed in the
construction of the building, celebrated architects were
sent for from the south, and in a wonderfully short space
of time a new and beautiful temple stood upon the site
of the old one, overlooking the green valley and the
mighty ocean.

The day of consecration arrived. Within the temple
stood Frithiof, gazing up in contentment at the image of
Balder, who was seated on a throne, in a recess of sky-
blue and gold.

Presently the priests entered, burning mcense, and
they were followed by twelve men, bearing harps, who
walked round and round the altar, singing praises to the
god. These again were followed by twelve virgins, who
took up the song of praise, filling the temple with their
melodious voices. A holy calm stole over Frithiof s soul,
for he knew now that he was at last reconciled to the
god. But suddenly a shadow came between him and the
light; he looked up, and beheld the king, clothed in the
royal robe of purple.

In an instant all his peace of mind had vanished ; bit-

291

OLD NORSE SAGAS

ter hatred filled his heart, and his hand involuntarily
sought the hilt of his sword. But he thrust the blade
back into its sheath, murmuring : ''Not here in the holy
temple — ^in a more suitaUe spot will I revenge mysdf."
^Not here/' repeated a voice in his ear.

He turned, and saw the high priest standing beside
him, who continued : ''Dost thou suppose that the god
will remain ignorant of thy deed of vengeance though'
it be not wreaked within the walls of his temple? Dost
thou think to reconcile thyself to Balder by this building
of stone ? He demands a far different temple of thee, a
temple of peace and goodwill in thine heart, and if thou
hast it not, thou art still far from being reconciled to
him. Know that Helge is no more; he fell in battle
against the Finns ; but Half dan approaches, tendering thee
his hand in friendship."

"Alas I it is too late,'* replied Frithiof ; "the curse of the
god is still upon me. I know it by the wild hatred which
fills my heart whenever my enemy is near me."

"Say not so, my son," answered the priest; "knowest
thou not that Balder, the god of peace and love, will
gladly give thee the strength to forgive thine enemy,
if thou dost but ask him for it? See," he continued,
pointing to Balder's throne, "he beckons thee to him, he
would be reconciled to thee."

As the old man spoke, Frithiof lifted his eyes toward
the throne, and as he gazed on the image of the god, the
spirit of love and peace seemed to enter into his heart.
At this moment he saw Halfdan, who had noiselessly
approached, standing beside him, anxiously waiting to

292

FRITHIOF THE BOLD AND FAIR INGEBORG

know whether he would consent to be reconciled. Frith-
lof hesitated no longer, but flinging away his sword,
frankly tendered his hand to his enemy.

Nb sooner had he done so than sounds of melodious
music were heard ; the door at the end of the aisle opened,
and Ingeborg, radiant and lovely as ever, robed in a wed-
ding-garment, entered the temple, and advanced to her
brother's side. In her hand she held a wreath of roses,
which, still wet with the pearly drops of the morning
dew, looked as if they had been watered by tears of joy.

Frithiof was overcome with happiness at the sight of
his beloved Ingeborg, and as he approached her, she
stepped forward to meet him, and wrapping her soft arms
about him, leant her head upon his breast.

So the days of sorrow and battle were over at last for
Frithiof, and now he might look forward to peace and
contentment in the future, for fair Ingeborg and he were
at length one, never more to be parted.

293

RAGNAR LODBROOK.

Ragnar was the son of King Sigurd Ring, and his
first wife Alfhild. His father, when an old man, had
fallen deeply in love with Alfsol, the daughter of King
Alf of Jutland. Her brothers refused to give her in
marriage to so dd a man, and when they were defeated
in battle by Sigurd Ring, they poisoned her rather than
she should become his wife. The king thereupon had
her corpse carried on board his ship, which he steered
out into the open sea, and then plunged his sword into
his heart, thus dying beside the body of his beloved
Alfsol.

Ragnar, therefore, although only fifteen years of age,
was now king. He was remarkable as well for his great
beauty as for the dauntless courage which he always dis-
played when he went with his followers on marauding
expeditions to foreign lands.

On one of these expeditions he landed on the coast of
Norway, and penetrated alone into the heart of the land.
On gaining the summit of a hill, he threw himself on the
soft turf to rest, and to enjoy the beautiful landscape
which spread itself out before his view ; the green valley
at his feet, the lake, sparkling like diamonds in the sun-
shine, and the verdant meadows and cornfields. As he
gazed on this fair picture, his mind was filled with the

294

RAGNAR LODBROOK

idea that the wild and warlike life he had hitherto led
was after all far less satisfactory than a life of peaceful,
quiet happiness.

As he thus pondered he suddenly became aware that
two hostile divisions of soldiers had entered the valley;
presently their trumpets sounded, and they rode at one
another full tilt, with their shields raised. His surprise
was great to perceive that one of the divisions was led
by a beautiful woman, who was mounted on a milk-white
charger, and dressed in silver armour; while her lovely
raven locks, escaping from under her helmet, fell in rich
profusion over her neck and shoulders. She rode before
her soldiers, cheering them on, and fighting the enemy
herself with sword and spear. Many fell beneath her
strokes, but the enemy being too strong for her little band
to resist, they were obliged to retreat. Not so the heroic
maiden; captivity or death threatened to be her doom,
yet still she fought on with indomitable courage, her
bright silver armour making her conspicuous wherever
the battle was hottest.

Ragnar, seeing that she stood in sore need of help,
could no longer remain an inactive spectator of the
scene, but, seizing his sword, he hastened to her side, and
fought desperately against the enemy. His sword made
such havoc amongst the foe, and such numbers of their
' best warriors were slain that at length those who were left
were obliged to seek safety in flight.

As soon as the battle was over, Ragnar straightway
withdrew to his ship. There he learnt that the name of
the soldier-maid was Lodgerda, that she ruled the sur-

295

OLD NORSE SAGAS

rounding country, and dwelt in a beautiful palace in the
midst of her possessions.

The following day he repaired thither, and was received
by Lodgerda with much joy and gratitude as her friend
and deliverer. Ragnar remained a guest at the palace for
three days, after which time, as he loved Lodgerda dearly,
he besought her to become his wife, to which she joy-
fully consented.

Ragnar and Lodgerda lived very happily together for
some time. She was an excellent wife to him, but she
refused to leave her own country for his, nor would she
resign to him her rights as sovereign. Ragnar passed
three peaceful years at her side, but at last the war-like
spirit woke again within him^ and when he heard that
the Danish Islands had rebdled against his rule, and be-
come independent, he parted from his wife^ who could not
bring hersdf to leave her peaceful home for a strange
country, and set out for his own kingdom alone.

In a very little while he succeeded in putting down the
rebels, and proceeded to his palace at Hledra, covered
with glory.

One day a stranger at his court showed him^ in a
magic mirror, a virgin of wonderful beauty. The king
was so enchanted at the sight of her that he could hardly
take his eyes from her face, and declared that the man
who could call such a treasure his own must be the hap-
piest being on earth.

"Yes, indeed," replied the stranger, "thou sayest truly,
for this noble maid is not only famous for her beauty,
but also for her wisdom and goodness. Her father, Her-

296

RAGNAR LODBROOK

rod of East Gothland, asks her advice on all occasions,
and if he follows it his enterprises are always successful.
Now, however, both he and his daughter are in great dis-
tress. Some time ago, two of his warriors presented him
with a griffin's egg, which was part of the plunder which
they had brought home with them from a foreign land.
It was hatched at the king's orders by a swan, and a cu-
rious little winged serpent came out of it. He gave the
little creature to his daughter, who put it in a golden cage,
and fed it with her own hands. It grew, however, so
quickly that it was soon too large for the cage, and even
for the room, and now it surrounds the whole house in
which the princess lives. The monster is still submissive
to her, but he guards her with a jealous eye, nor will he
allow her to leave the house, or receive food from anyone
but from the man who daily brings him an ox for his
meals. No one dares attempt to touch him, for his eyes
are like flaming fire, his breath is deadly poison, and with
his tail he can break the strongest oak-tree, as easily as
if it were a reed. The king, therefore, in order to rid
himself of this curse, has promised the hand of his daugh-
ter to whomever shall succeed in slaying the monster."

Before Ragnar had heard the completion of this tale,
he had determined to set out on the adventure himself.
He lost no time in procuring a garment of thick wool
and ox hide, which he steeped in tar, for he knew that
through such a garment neither poison nor venom could
penetrate.

Accompanied by many warlike companions, he set out
for East Gothland, and landed on the coast not far from
the king's castle. ^07

OLD NORSE SAGAS

Wrapped in his tarred garment, and armed with a
mighty spear, he started for the Princess's abode.

There, surrounding the house with his huge body, he
beheld the monster, apparently asleep. He attempted
several times to stab him, but in vain ; his spear could not
pierce the scales of the serpent, which were hard and
smooth as steel. Presently the monster raised its huge
body, and tried to seize Ragnar in its jaws, hissing mean-
while with rage, and spitting its deadly venom at him.
But as it thus coiled itself about, Ragnar perceived an
exposed spot under its throat, where the scales appeared
to be soft, and at this spot he aimed his spear, with all the
strength he could muster. For a few moments the creat-
ure writhed and turned in agony, so that the house was
shaken to its foundation, and then suddenly the great
monster sank to the ground — dead.

The Princess, awakened by the noise, stepped to the
window, and beheld the victor clothed in his rude gar-
ments, but before she had time to look upon him more
closely he withdrew himself from her gaze.

Herrod, as soon as he received the news of the event,
ordered a proclamation to be made, to the effect that the
people should meet together in an assembly, in order to
decide to whom the prize should be awarded.

On the appointed day Ragnar took his place in the as-
sembly, clothed in his tarred garments. At the com-
mand of the king, two heralds carried about among the
men the point of the spear, which had been taken from
the serpent's body, in order to discover who among them
tx>ssessed the shaft to which it fitted. When Ragnar

298

RAGNAR LODBROOK

produced the same, and fitted the point of the spear on
to it, the king, taking him to be a poor man, exclaimed
in astonishment: "Ha, thou Leather-Garments, and who
taught thee that clever thrust? Comest thou from the
Biarma Country, that thou hast such an odour of pitch
and tar about thee?"

At these words Ragnar dropped his disguise and stood
in his royal attire before the assembled people. "Ragnar !
Ragnar! it is the king himself!" cried a multitude of
voices, and Herrod, stepping down from his throne, em-
braced him, saying: "Thou shalt in future be called
Lodbrook (Leather Garments), in remembrance of thy
valour, and I will give thee the hand of my daughter in
marriage."

The king kept his word, and the Princess Thora joy-
fully consented to become the wife of her brave deliverer.
Nor had she ever any cause to regret her choice, for her
husband was so devoted to her that he even gave up his
marauding expeditions in order to remain at her side.
Their happiness was augmented by the birth of two sons,
Eric and Agnar. But fate suffers no perfect happiness to
be on earth and ere long Thora died in the arms of her
disconsolate lord.

And now peace and happiness fled from the palace, and
sorrow and mourning reigned in their stead, for Ragnar
was inconsolable for the loss of his wife.

At length one of the noblest of his warriors stepped
before him, and represented to him how that he was still
young and in the prime of life, and that it was a sin for
him to waste his best years in mourning for his departed

299

OLD NORSE SAGAS

queen. His words roused the sleeping ardour of the
king, and soon he was once more tossing in his ship on the
billowy ocean, where, amidst dangers and divers adven-
tures, he strove to forget his great sorrow.

One day, landing on the coast of Norway, he sent his
servants inland, to prepare food and bake bread. After
wandering about, they came to a lowly peasant's hut, and
on entering, they found within it a cross, hideous old
woman, sitting cowering over the fire. They asked her
to help them make the bread, but she excused hersdf on
account of her great age. Just then a young peasant girl
entered the cottage, and the men, on seeing her, stared at
her with open mouths, and could not find words to ad-
dress her, for they had never before seen so exquisitely
lovely a woman.

"Yes, yes, that is my daughter," croaked the old hag.
"See, Kraka, these men would make bread, and do not
know how."

Without making any reply, the girl set about preparing
the dough herself, and when she had put the loaves into
the oven, she directed the men to watch them, as she had
other work to do. But the men only had eyes for the
beautiful girl, who with wonderful adroitness went about
the cottage, cleaning and putting everything to rights.

In consequence of their negligence, some of the loaves
were burnt, and when they returned on board the ship
they were scolded and punished for their carelessness.
They declared, however, that the king himself would have
been guilty of the same negligence had he endeavoured to
watch the bread in the presence of such a beautiful maid.

300

RAGNAR LODBROOK

Their words aroused the curiosity of the king, and he
gave orders that this wonderful maiden should be brought
before him on board his vessel on tlie following morning.
She was to come unattended, and yet not alone; naked,
and yet clothed ; fasting, and yet full.

This strange command was given to Kraka, who ac-
cordingly appeared before the king the next day, with a
fisherman's net wrapped in folds about her, and accompa-
nied by a shepherd's dog. She had taken some of the
juice of a leek, so that she was neither fasting nor full.
In this way she obeyed the command of the king to the
letter.

Ragnar was much impressed by her wisdom, but still
more so by her wonderful beauty, her fair silken locks,
and blue eyes, in which the light of heaven was reflected.

He straightway oflFered to make her his queen, but she,
having no great faith in the constancy of man, desired
him to complete his voyage, and then, if he should still
be of the same mind, to return to Norway, and repeat his
oflFer.

The king submitted to the will of the peasant girl and
departed. His devotion to her, however^ was unchangea-
ble, and immediately on his return from his voyage he
fetched her from her peasant home, and took her to his
palace at Hledra as his bride, and there celebrated his
marriage-feast.

Kraka bore her husband four sons, the eldest of whom,
named Iwar, was very handsome, and had strong broad
shoulders, but his lower limbs were so weak that he had
always to be carried about. The other three sons were

301

OLD NORSE SAGAS

strong healthy youths, who awaited impatientiy the time
when they, like their half-tMX>thers, Eric and Agnar,
should be permitted to go on distant voyages, and return
with rich plunder from foreign lands.

Meanwhile the people had begun to murmur and com-
plain that a peasant girl had been set upon the throne;
and the courtiers, who were as dissatisfied as the people,
repeated these murmurings to the king.

Ragnar, greatly displeased at these complaints, set out
for Swithiod, to pay a visit to his friend, King Eistein.
He was cordially welcomed at the court, and the daughter
of the mighty king waited upon him herself, and filled
his goblet with sparkling wine, and sat beside him at the
board.

Ragnar was enchanted as well by her beauty as by her
conversation, and when the courtiers pointed out to him
the advantage of an alliance with the Princess, he allowed
himself to be persuaded, and asked for the king's consent
to his marriage with his daughter. This the king granted,
and it was arranged that as soon as their betrothal had
been solemnized Ragnar should return home, and, under
some excuse, divorce his peasant-wife.

When he arrived at his palace at Hledra, Kraka came
out as usual with a glad and smiling countenance to wel-
come him home. She seemed not to notice his cold greet-
ing, but did her utmost to provide him with every possible
comfort after his journey, and asked if he had brought
any news. On his replying surlily that he had none to
give, she informed him that she had heard a strange re-
port about his best friend ; that he had wished to divorce

302

RAGNAR LODBROOK

his rightful spouse, in order to marry a king's daughter,
and that the betrothal had already been solemnized.

"What knave informed thee of that?" cried Ragnar,
angrily.

"My chattering magpies," she quietly replied. "Thou
knowest them, for they were present at King Eistein's
court during thy stay there. Full of anxiety I sent them
after thee, and they brought me a faithful report of thy
doings. If thou dost indeed intend to carry out thy plan,
I will return to the peasant-folk, whom people believe to
be my parents. They murdered my foster-father Heimir,
and now thou wilt destroy the happiness of my life. But
before thou doest anything rash, listen to me, and I will
reveal to thee a secret. Know then that my name is not
Kraka, but Aslog, for I am the daughter of King Sigurd
the Dragon-slayer, who ranks as high over all the kings
of the north as the sun ranks above the stars. My mother
was Brynhild. When my father was foully and secretly
murdered by his brothers-in-law, Gunnar and Hagen, the
good Heimir, for fear of the murderers, bore me away
in a harp from the unhappy land, and after wandering
about for a long time, came to the peasant's hut, in which
thou foundest me. The two inhabitants of the hut, think-
ing the harp contained great treasures, murdered my faith-
ful protector in his sleep by night, but did not dare to
make away with the child which they discovered in the
place of the gold they had expected to find. Thus I grew
up with them in the cottage. They allowed me to keep
my mother's wedding-ring, together with her picture, and
the letter which she wrote before her death. Here is the

303

OLD NORSB SAGAS

proof of my stoiy/' Kraka oontinucd, produdng the letter
and the ring, ''and yet another token has Odin reveatod
to me; it shall be made manifest when our unborn babe
shall bdiold the light of the world, for in his eye he shall
have a mark like a tiny serpent '^

As she ceased speaking, she laid aside her rc^al jcwds,
and turned to depart, but Ragnar, who stood shame-
faced and abashed before the noble woman whose royal
descent he now recognised, besought her to stay. She
loved him so dearly that she could not withstand his en-
treaties, but remained with him, and in due time preseatcd
him with a little son, who bore on him the prophesied
mark of distinction, and was therefore called Sigurd die
Serpent-eyed.

Meanwhile Eric and Agnar^ the sons of Ragnar's first
wife Thora, had made their names famous by their war-
like deeds. They had opportunity of displaying their val-
our in the war which now brdce out with King Eistetn,
who was enraged at Ragnar's rejecticwi of his daughter.

Eric and Agnar landed on the Swedish coast, but they
both fell in the battle which ensued, for Eistein's host was
too strong for them, and their ranks were thrown into
confusion by the enchanted bull, which the king had or-
dered to be driven amongst them.

When the news of their defeat and death reached Rag-
nar's court, his third son Iwar forthwith set out to avenge
his brothers' untimely end. No sooner was the battle
opened, however, than the huge enchanted bull rushed
bellowing as before amidst the soldiers, causing terror and
confusion in the ranks. Iwar therefore lost no time in

304

RAGNAR LODBROOK

seizing his mighty bow and arrow ; and taking aim at the
monster, he pierced it through the heart, so that it fell
dead on the field. After this the battle was easily won,
Bistein himself being struck down whilst attempting to fly
for his life.

Ragnar's sons engaged in many other wars and pirat-
ical expeditions. Their combined forces conquered the
rich town of Wifelsburg, after which they marched to
Luna in Etruria. They found it strongly garrisoned, and
therefore sent messengers into the town to say that they
came with peaceful intentions, merely to buy victuals,
and that their captain, Hastings, who was sick to death,
wished to be baptized and received into the Christian
Church. Delighted with this news, the inhabitants im-
mediately opened communication with the strangers, and
the holy ceremony of baptism was performed over the
sick man, the governor of the town standing sponsor.

A few days later an emissary was sent to inform the
inhabitants that Hastings was dead, and that his dying
wish had been that his corpse might be allowed a resting
place in the Christian Church, to which he had bequeathed
his riches, with the desire that the priest should annually
say three masses for his soul. The messenger ended by
declaring that if this was allowed to take place, it was
his belief that the whole army, who intended, unarmed,
to accompany the bier of their leader to the grave, would
consent to be baptized.

The request was granted. On the day of the funeral
the church was so crowded by the clergy, nobles and cit-
izens of the town that there was hardly any room left for
the Northmen. ^q-

OLD NORSE SAGAS

The requiem was sdemnly dianted, the Uessmg was
spoken, and the body of the departed sdidier was just
about to be lowered into the grave when — the lid of the
bier sprang open, the dead man rose up in his shroud, witii
a drawn sword in his hand, with which he at once slew
all who came within his reach. The rest of the soldiers
likewise drew forth their arms, which they had kept con-
cealed beneath their garments, and massacred without
mercy the unarmed people who filled the church. They
then rushed out into the streets, plundering and murder-
ing wherever they went, and setting the town on fire.

This was the strategy by which means the Northmen
possessed themselves of the town of Luna.

While his sons were engaged in these warlike expedi-
tions. King Ragnar himsdf was not idle. He determined
on an invasion of Britain, in order to force King Blla
to pay him tribute. For this purpose he had two new
ships built, large enough to carry a great number of sol-
diers, and with these he landed on the British coast He
devastated the country in a terrible manner, and engaged
in many bloody battles, but he never received any wound,
for Aslog had woven him a magic garment, through
which neither shot nor sword could penetrate.

One day his ships were driven by a storm into a North-
umbrian bay, where they struck upon a rock and foun-
dered. He, however, with many of his men and some
arms, succeeded in gaining the shore. Here they soon
encountered Ella's forces, but the brave soldier, nothing
daunted, did not hesitate a moment, with his handful of
followers, to commence the attack. He fought without

306

RAGNAR LODBROOK

flinching in the hottest part of the battle, but as his brave
soldiers fell around him, he was at length surrounded by
the enemy, and taken prisoner. No one recognised him,
and as he refused to answer any of the questions put to
him. King Ella, in anger, ordered him to be thrown into
a dungeon full of serpents.

At first Aslog's magic garment protected him from
any hurt, but the guards, when they perceived this, de-
prived him of it, and he soon after succumbed to their
venomous stings.

Thus died brave King Ragnar, like a hero as he was,
uttering neither cry nor complaint under his slow torture,
but singing in rich clear Xxxits a dirge of the Northland.

307

KING HELGE AND ROLF KRAKI.

H£LGE> king of Denmark, was a brave hero, and loved
nothing better than daring expeditions.

He landed one day on a lonely island, at a time when
hill and vale, meadow and cornfield, were dad in sum-
mer's richest garb. But he and his wild warriors were
blind to nature's charms ; their one aim was to secure as
much plunder as they could. So they took the inhabitants
priscxiers, and then possessed themselves of their cattle
and their goods.

Now amongst the prisoners there was a young maiden
named Thora, who differed from her companions as much
as the moon differs from the stars. The king was deeply
moved at the sight of her wonderful beauty, and when
he heard the sweet tones of her silvery voice, and learnt
that she was of royal birth, he offered her his hand, his
heart, and his throne. She did not refuse him, and the
wedding was celebrated amidst much rejoicing. The
happy bridegroom remained a week on the island, spend-
ing the days in wandering through the shady groves
with his lovely bride beside him. Then he took her back
with him to his home at Hledra, where they lived con-
tentedly till the following spring.

By that time Helge was beginning to tire of the mo-
notony of his quiet life, and was filled with a great long-

308

KING HELGE AND ROLF KRAKI

ing to resume his expeditions to foreign lands. His love
for his wife had passed away; he looked on her only
as a hindrance to his future plans.

Therefore when he embarked in his vessel he forbade
her to remain at the palace, and commanded certain of
his courtiers to take her back to the lovely island where
he had first found her.

After the lapse of many years, a sudden storm one day
compelled Helge to take refuge in the nearest port. On
landing, he soon recognized the picturesque shores and
shady groves where he had once wandered so happily
with his fair bride. He made inquiries for Thora, but
she had disappeared; no one knew anything about her.
Could she be dead? or had she been carried away by
pirates? Such were Helge's thoughts as he wandered
through the woods and meadows which he knew so well.
But suddenly he stopped short in his wanderings, for
there before him, gazing into the clear waters of a mur-
muring brook, he saw her sitting, younger and more
beautiful than ever.

He hastened towards her with outstretched arms, but
just as he would have clasped her to his breast, he sud-
denly became aware that it was not his wife, but a
stranger, who rose to greet him. Nevertheless, he was
sure that he detected in her a strong resemblance to his
dear Thora, not only in her outward appearance, but also
in the silvery tones of her voice. Convinced that she had
been sent by the gods to recompense him for the loss of
his former queen,, he addressed the maiden, who told
him that her name was Yrsa, and that she came from a

309

OLD NORSE SAGAS

distant part of Saxony. Her beauty was such Aat Hdge
loved her at first sight, and as he believed that she had
been sent him by the gods, he besought her to beGome his
bride. Knowing him to be a brave and noble hero, the
maiden gladly consented to his proposals, and then for
the second time Helge brought a queen to Hledra.

With his advancing years, King Helge became more
quiet and thoughtful than formerly, and loved to pass
his leisure hours in the company of his fair young wife
and Rolf, his little son. How he rejoiced when the child
smiled up into his face, and tried, when only six years
old, to draw his father's battle-sword from its sheath!

One day, the king and his beloved Yrsa were sittings
on a mossy bank in a pine wood, watching with infinite
pleasure, the innocent gambols of their child. Helge was
telling his wife how much he loved her, and assur-
ing her that no power on earth should ever part them,
when suddenly the bushes near them rustled, the
boughs were parted by a white hand, and put stepped
a female figure, clad in black from head to foot,
and thickly veiled. As she advanced towards them, she
threw back her veil, and behold — there stood Thora, aged
and pale, and altered, but still Thora, Helge's rightful
spouse. "Traitor!" she cried: "as easily as a lighted
torch could destroy this mighty forest, so easily can one
word from me set the death seal to thy happiness!"

Then Yrsa knew that this was indeed Helge's first
wife who stood before them, and that she had no longer
any right to stay with her beloved lord. With a piteous
wail of despair, she fell fainting to the ground, while

310

KING HELGE AND ROLF KRAKI

Helge, bending over her, vowed that nought but death
should ever rob him of his fair wife.

He would have clasped her in his arms, but Yrsa mo-
tioned him away, murmuring in broken accents, "Never
more, Helge. We have loved each other truly, but now
we must part for ever, for Thora is thy lawful spouse.
May be the gods will take pity on us, and bring us
together again in Valhalla, but on earth we may meet
no more. Farewell!" With these words she vanished
into the dark forest, and the king was left alone in his
misery, for Thora, too, fearing her husband's wrath, fled
from him into the wood.

Helge now determined to use all the means in his
power to recover his lost Yrsa.

First he sent messengers to her, but in vain, for she
would not listen to their words. Then he started with
warriors to find her himself, and force her to corae back
with him, but when she heard that he was coming, she
fled into the interior of Saxony, whither also he resolved
to follow her.

In the meantime, Adils, king of Upsala, who was in
want of a wife, heard of the great beauty of the Saxon
princess, and knowing that she lived in daily terror of
Helge's pursuit, he determined to offer her protection by
making her his queen.

So when the spring came, he sent his ambassadors
to Saxony to plead his suit with Yrsa, who lent a favour-
able ear to his proposals, and returned with the messen-
gers to Swithiod, for there she hoped to be safe from the
persecutions of Helge. But though she was surrounded

3"

OLD NORSB SAGAS

by evory possible luxury at the court of Upsala, the youngr
queen was far from \xxppyf ^^^ her heart was still fall
of love for her lost husband.

When Helge heard of the union between King Adils
and Yrsa, he too was filled with sorrow. Knowing, bow-
ever, that his forces were not strong enough to invade
Swithiody he dismissed his army and tried to think of
other means by which to regain Yrsa. Meanwhile he
fell into a state of the d^^P^t mdancholy, from which
nothing could rouse him except the sight of his son Rolf,
who was rapidly growing from a child into a man, and
was so tall and slim that he was sumamed Kraki, whkrh
means a pole.

But the excellence of his son could not console Hdg^
for the loss of his wife, and as he knew Adils to be an
avaricious man, he determined to offer him some of his
richest treasures if he would consent to give him his
beloved Yrsa once more.

Accordingly he selected the most valuable jewels from
his treasury, and with these and a few brave warriors he
started for Upsala.

King Adils was filled with greed at the sight of the
sparkling jewels, and readily consented to Helge's pro-
posal. Thinking, however, that it would disgrace him
were it known that he sold his wife for gold, he bade
Helge either fly with her secretly or carry her away by
force.

The two kings having come to this agreement, Helge
was admitted into the presence of the queen. When his
eyes fell upon her lovely form, he stood like one en-

312

KING HBLGE AND ROLF KRAKt

tranced, for though she looked older than in former days,
yet she was to him what she had always been, the
pearl of the north, the most beautiful and the'most noble
of women.

He spoke of the great love he bore her, told her of
Adils' unworthiness, and implored her to come to him
once more.

But rising majestically from her seat, Yrsa thus ad-
dressed him: "I will not listen to thine entreaties, for
even if I were to go with thee, we could never be happy
together as long as Thora lives. Our union could only
disgrace us in life, and condemn us in death." Helgc,
though deeply moved by these words, would not give
up his purpose; he attempted to seize her, and carry her
away by force, but rushing on to the balcony, she cried
out that if he came one step nearer she would throw her-
self over. He dared not approach her, and at length
yielded to her entreaties that he would leave her, and
torment her no longer by his presence. So with aching
heart he bade her farewell, and quitted the palace.

But King Adils, bitterly disappointed at having to
give up the treasures, commanded his servants to lie in
wait for his guest in a dark forest, and there to rob him
of his jewels as he passed by.

And so it happened that as Helge was returning home
through the wood with heavy heart, he and his com-
panions were suddenly attacked by a large band of ruf-
fians. A desperate struggle ensued, in which Helge and
his party were overpowered by numbers, and foully slain.
The murderers then took possession of the treasures

21

313

Old mRSB SAGAS

which they found on the dead bodies, and carried them to
King Adils, as they had been commanded.

Rolf was only fifteen years old at the time of his
father's death, but he was so much beloved by the Danish
people that they unanimously chose him king in his
father's stead. He was a brave and noUe youtii, and
soon became renowned as a mighty hero. All the neigh-
bouring monarchs were subject to him, and his praise
resounded through many distant lands.

After the lapse of several years, Rolf conceived a
desire to visit the scene of his father's murder. He
therefore started for Upsala, and cm arriving at the palace
was joyfully welcomed by his mother Yrsa ; whilst Adils
caused a great fire to be made at the entrance to the hall,
as though in honour of his guests. But when Rolf and
his comrades were all seated at the banquet. King Adils
ordered his servants to make the fire larger and larger,
until at length, when the heat was beginning to be in-
tolerable, he and his followers quietly left the hall by a
secret door. Not long had they done so when the clothes
of the guests who were seated nearest the blazing mass
caught fire. Then Rolf, in order to save himself and his
companions from destruction, flung his shield on to the
rising flames, and springing over it, called on the rest
to follow his example.

In the courtyard they were met by Queen Yrsa, who
told them of a place of shelter where they might conceal
themselves for the time, but she advised them to depart
early the next morning, since Adils was bent on their
destruction. Before leaving them, she gave Rolf a silver

314

A7A^C; HELGE AND ROLF KRAKl

goblet containing all the jewels which Adils had stolen
from his father Helge.

Rolf and his companions straightway betook them-
selves to the place of safety which the queen had pointed
out, and after refreshing themselves with meat and drink,
lay down to rest. A few hours later Rolf awoke, and
found that the roof which sheltered them was on fire,
whilst the doors were blocked from the outside with huge
stones and beams. He lost no time in arousing his com-
rades, and by their united strength they succeeded in
throwing down one of the side walls, and so escaped from
an untimely and horrible death. After routing and put-
ting to flight the armed warriors whom Adils had set
around the house^ Rolf and his companions mounted their
steeds and commenced their journey homewards. But
they soon became aware that their enemies were in pur-
suit, for the distant sound of horses' hoofs became clearer
and clearer every moment. "It is Adils and his follow-
ers!" cried Rolf. "Strew the golden treasures in the
road — ^that will arrest their progress." The men did as
they were bidden, whilst Rolf himself emptied the con-
tents of the silver goblet which his mother bad pven him.

His plan succeeded, for when the pursuers saw the
treasures lying in the road, they gave up the chase, and
eagerly dismounted to collect the booty. Adils, however,
continued the pursuit, till just as he had almost reached
the fugitives his eye fell on a costly ring lying at the
side of the track. His avarice proved too strong for him
to resist, and reining up his steed, he bent down to pick
up the bauble on the point of his sword. At the same

315

OLD NORSE SAGAS

moment Rolf, perceiving his advantage, turned upon his
pursuer and stabbed him through the back, ere he had time
to raise himself from his stooping posture.

"Live!" he cried, laughingly,* — ^**Uve if thou canst with
this remembrance of thy loving son I" With these words
he picked up the jewel, and putting spurs to his horse,
rode away with his followers, leaving the enemy fstr
behind.

Rolf now returned to Hledra, where he was warmly
welcomed by his faithful subjects. There he ruled with
wisdom and gentleness. Unhappily his reign was de&»
tined to be a short one, for ere long he was slain in batde;
while fighting in his country's cause. His soul was borne
by the gods to the Halls of Valhalla, but the memory
of the brave young hero lives still in the songs of count-
less minstrels, and in the hearts of a loving people.

316

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA.

In the land of Swithiod (Sweden) there ruled a king
named Ingiald. He was not a good king, for he was by
nature cruel and cunning. This was chiefly the fault of
King Swipdager, in whose charge Ingiald had been placed
when a child. Swipdager, in order to engender courage
in hini, had given him a wolf's heart to eat, in conse-
quence of which his nature had become like that of a
brute beast.

On the day of his father's funeral, when many of the
neighbouring princes and rulers had assembled together
at a grand banquet, given in memory of the late king,
Ingiald swore a great oath that he would soon conquer
all the surrounding provinces.

The goblet was freely circulated among the assembled
guests, who presently succumbed to the potent influence
of the wine, and fell asleep upon the couches. Ingiald
then gave orders that the palace should be surrounded by
armed men, while he himself set fire to the hall where
his guests lay sleeping. The soldiers stationed without
made it impossible for them to escape, so that they all
perished miserably in the flames. The treacherous king
then took possession of their provinces.

Ingiald had two children, a son named Olaf, and a
daughter named Asa. His daughter was very beautiful,

317

OLD NORSE SAGAS

but she, unfortunately, inherited her father's cruel, cun-
ning nature. She wedded Gudrod, king of Skatiey, who
loved her so dearly that he could refuse her nothings; in
consequence of which he allowed himself to be persuaded
by her to go to war with his brother Halfdan.

Halfdan, thus suddenly attacked, was defeated, be
himself falling on the battle^dd; but Gudrod did not
live long to enjoy his conquest, ior he was soon after
secretly murdered by a friend of Halfdan's.

Halfdan's son Iwar now arose, determined to avenge
his father's death. Collecting the scattered remnants of
his army, he marched against Asa's forces. As the hostile
factions approached each other, Asa rode through the
ranks of her soldiers, encouraging and exhorting them to
fight bravely against the enemy. But her enthusiasm
awakened no response ; the men stood silent with bowed
heads.

Presently the horns sounded for the attack ; the enemy
advanced; then with one accord Asa's soldiers lowered
their arms, and greeted Iwar, Halfdan's son, as their
king. Asa, seeing that she was deserted, fled from the
field, and sought an asylum at her father's court. He too,
however, was threatened with desertion, but he hoped
during the winter to be able to collect a formidable army.

On one of the islands belonging to King Ingiald, he
and his courtiers held a carouse, while the beautiful Asa
filled the goblets with rich and sparkling wii^e. But on
the third day of the feasting there came messengers to the
Island, who spread terror among the revellers, for they
reported that Iwar had made a passage through the snow

318

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

and ice to Swithiod ; that peasants and soldiers alike had
gone over to his side, and made common cause with him
against the tyrant. The Island was already surrounded ;
no ship was left by which Ingiald could make his escape.
Death or captivity stared him in the face, but he chose
rather to die by his own hand than fall a victim to his
bitter foe. He therefore watched his opportunity; when
his courtiers wxre all asleep in the banqueting hall, he
and his daughter Asa, after having made fast all the doors
to prevent their escape, set fire to the palace. They then
ascended the battlements, where they stood surrounded
by flames, as Iwar's army approached, until the whole
palace was consumed by the fire, and they and all the
courtiers perished in the burning ruins.

The victorious Iwar now marched to Upsala, where
he offered thank-offerings, and received the homage of
the people of Swithiod. His conquests extended far
and wide, for he soon succeeded in subjecting all the
surrounding provinces. Denmark alone was too power-
ful for him, for its kings, Hrodrik and Helge, were
famous for their noble deeds of prowess.

Iwar therefore, seeing that he could not overcome them
in battle, determined to conquer them by cunning.

It chanced that Hrodrik loved Iwar's fair daughter
Auda, and sued for her hand. Her father gladly gave
his consent to the marriage, which was duly solemnized.
Not long after, Iwar, whilst cruising about in his vessel,
landed on the coast of Denmark. Now was his time to
carry out his base plot : he persuaded Hrodrik that his
brother Helge was in love with Auda, and urged him to

319

OLD NORSB SAGAS

k)oe no time avenging his tarnished honour. In vain
did the virtuous Auda strive to persuade her husband of
her father's treachery, — Hrodrik was deaf to her entreat-
ies, and, fully persuaded of his brother's guilt, he stabbed
him with his sword during a tournament

Auda, in terror, fled from her husband's court, and
taking with her her little son Harald, sought refuge in
a garrisoned castle.

In the meantime I war, (Mice more landing on the
Danish coast, accused Hrodrik of the murder of his
brother. Attacking him with his powerful army, he
easily conquered the Danish forcesj^ Hrodrik himself
falling by his sword.

Iwar now called together the men of Denmark, bid-
ding them choose a new king. To his surprise, however,
his own daughter Auda advanced into their midst; at
sight of her, the Danes instantly rallied round their
beloved queen, declaring themselves ready to protect their
country from the invasion of the stranger. Iwar, unpre-
pared for such a determined resistance, had no choice
but to embark in his vessel, and return to his own country.

During the winter, however, he made extensive prep-
arations for a new invasion of Denmark. Auda, hearing
of this, felt that without help she would not be able to
resist her father's attack; she therefore embarked with
her little son and the royal treasure, and accompanied
by a numerous retinue sailed for Russia, for here she
hoped to find an asylum at the court of King Radbard.

The king made her welcome, surrounding her with
every luxury his court could supply ; but it was out of his

320

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

pffwcr to give her any aid in winning back her kingdom,
of which her father Iwar had already taken possession;
for though he had a large army of brave soldiers, he
did not dare to send his puny fleet against the seafaring
Northmen.

But ere long he learnt to love the beautiful and vir-
tuous queen, and besought her to become his wife, to
which she, after some hesitation, consented.

Iwar was much afraid when the news of this marriage
reached him, for he knew his daughter's determined
spirit. Resolved therefore to anticipate King Radbard,
he sailed for Russia with a large army and a numerous
fleet. One night during the voyage he had a strange
dream, in which he saw a vision of a frightful dragon
coming over the sea, whose huge wings disturbed the
waters, raising gjeat waves as he swam along. Then in
the north rose a dark thunder-cloud, which advanced
towards the dragon. No sooner had the monster come in
contact with it, than a fearful clap of thunder broke over
the land, the lightning flashed, the storm-wind howled,
and the earth trembled and shook. Nothing more could
be seen, only the crashes and peals of thunder could be
heard as they rolled over the northern countries, echoing
and re-echoing in the distance.

Iwar awoke. He lay beneath a purple tent, which had
been placed for him on the deck of his beautiful vessel.
The sun rose, sending his golden rays over land and sea ;
but the beauty of nature had no power to send peace into
the troubled heart of the king. He commanded that
Hord, his foster-father, should be brought to him, ^o

321

OU) NORSE SAGAS

intirpret his dream. Hord obeyed the simmiofiSy but
stood on a projecting rock on the shore, refusing to come
on board the king's vessel. He was a tall, imposing man,
but his face was scarcely visible, for he wore a large hat,
which was pulled down low over his fcM'ehead, while his
shoulders were enveloped in a flowing mantle.

Iwar, after relating to him his dream, demanded an
interpretation of the same. The old man replied that he
thought the dream signified that King Iwar would soon
wander in the pale halls of Hel. "Tell me," cried Iwar,
*liow am I esteemed by the gods ?" "They regard thee
as their bitter foe,'' replied Hord ; "thou art to thm» the
dragon of the South.'' When the king heard these words,
he was beside himself with rage. "Thou prophesiest
death to me," cried he; "but thou shalt precede me to
Hd !" So saying, he rushed with dravm sword towards
the old man, but in doing so he fell headknig over the
side of the vessel into the sea. Hord springing after him,
likewise disappeared beneath the waves, and neither was
destined ever again to behold the light of day.

As soon as the news of the king's death became known
to his warriors, they determined to abandon the war
against King Radbard, and returned peaceably to their
own country.

HARALD AND SIGURD RING.

One of King Iwar's vessels, with the flag of truce
hoiste3 at her mast-head, was now sent to the shore, to
land the chief of the army, formerly a guest of King
Radbard, who was to acquaint him with what had hap-

322

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

pened. The king received the messenger and his retinue
at the court with much hospitality. Auda herself filled
their goblets at the banquet given in their honour, at which
her son Harald was also present. When the warriors saw
the young prince they were much pleased with his noble
bearing, and when he requested to be allowed to accom-
pany them to the land of his fathers, they one and all
arose and greeted him as their king.

Harald took a tender farewell of his beloved mother,
who blessed her son, praying that Odin might soon place
him upon the throne of his forefathers. She then took
from a chest two swords with golden hilts; these she
gave to Harald, bidding him use them only in honourable
warfare, for then they would not fail to ensure him the
victory.

Soon after Harald stood upon the deck of his vessel,
which, with the little fleet which accompanied him,
bounded lightly over the crested waves towards Hledra,
the palace of the Danish kings. But bye-and-bye they
were overtaken by a terrible storm ; the waves rose moun-
tain high ; the masts split ; courage and hope alike forsook
the hearts of the sailors, while the fear of death was de-
picted on every face. Harald alone was undaunted; he
seized the rudder, crying, "Courage, friends! Odin is
ever a protector of the brave!" Hardly had he spoken
when he perceived, standing beside him, an old warrior of
tall stature, with a large hat drawn low over his forehead.
The stranger, in loud clear tones, rebuked the storm: in
an instant the waves subsided, the wind was hushed, and
all was calm and peaceful. He then took the rudder, and

323

OLD NORSE SAGAS

under his guidance the vessel cut through the water with
wonderful swiftness, while the rest of the fleet, collecting
together, followed its lead.

The sailors knew well who it was that had come
amongst them to save ihem from destruction, but they
dared not so much as breathe his name. Moreover, as
soon as the vessels had touched the strand, the stranger
suddenly disappeared, though no one knew whither he
had gone.

Harald found his country in a troubled state, for
while some of his subjects were loyal to him, many ivere
still adherents of Iwar. He therefore called the people
together, and in a noble speech reminded them how long
the country had flourished under the rule of his fore-
fathers, telling them, too, how Odin had protected him
and his fleet during the voyage. While he was yet speak-
ing, a pair of eagles came flying down from the clouds,
and fluttered round the head of the noble youth, who
looked so bright and beautiful as he stood proudly urging
his claim upon the assembled multitude that they arose,
crying to a man: "Harald shall be our king! Hail to
our king!" Then, lifting him upon the royal shield, they
tore him in triumph to the palace, and placed him upon
the throne of his forefathers.

Ere long great numbers of brave warriors gathered
round the banner of the young king, with whose help he
soon succeeded in conquering the whole of Gothland,
which still adhered to Iwar.

On one occasion, when he was about to do battle with
the Goths, he offered up sacrifices to Odin, beseeching the

324

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

god to grant him the victory. As he did so he saw
approaching him the same old man with the big hat
drawn over his forehead and the flowing mantle, who
had befriended him on his voyage to Denmark, by saving
his fleet from destruction during the storm. The stranger
carried a blood-red cloak, which he threw around King
Harald's shoulders, while on his head he placed a new
helmet bidding him carry no shield in battle, for the
cloak and the helmet would protect him from injury.
Having thus spoken, he disappeared from view.

When the horns sounded for the attack, Harald rushed
at his adversaries, scattering them like chaff, while he
himself was safe from hurt, for neither sword nor spear
could penetrate his wonderful mantle.

Thus the victory was easily gained, and from that time
forth the blood-red cloak protected him in all his cam-
paigns.

Harald's court at Hledra was the most magnificent of
any king of his time; it was famous also as being the
home of many great and noble men.

One day a stranger, who was no other than the king's
half-brother, Randwer, the son of Radbard and Auda,
arrived at the palace. Harald received his brother with
open arms, but Randwer had sad news to tell, for both
his father and mother were dead, and his elder brother,
now the king, had banished him from the country out
of jealousy.

So Randwer remained at Harald's court, fighting his
battles with him, and showing himself to be a good and
brave man. Harald therefore made him king of Upsala

325

OLD HORSE SAGAS

and West Gothland, whidi countries he was to hold as
his vassal.

Randwer, however, did not live long to enjoy his
good fortune; he died in the arms of his brave young son,
Sigurd Ring, who had aoccnnpanied him on an es^pedition
against Britain.

Sigurd Ring was now with one accord chosen king*
in his father's stead. For full fifty years tfie peace of
the country was unbroken, until at length the coast of
Handd's domains was invaded and overrun by a swarm
of pirates. Harald, in spite of age and infirmity, marched
against them, riding at the head of his soldiers, wrapped
in Odin's blood-red mantle, and holding in either hand a
golden-hilted sword, the parting gift of his mother, the
fair Auda.

The battle raged long and fiercely, but at length the
pirates were forced to fiy over the border into King
Sigurd Ring's domain.

As Harald stood in his chariot, watching their flight,
a suspicion suddenly flashed upon him that these pirates
had invaded his territory with the consent of his brother-
king. As he thus pondered, Bntni, one of the bravest
of his warriors, approached him, having just returned
from the pursuit of the enemy. He told the king that he
had been stopped on the way by a detachment of soldiers
under the banner of Upsala, and that there was therefore
no doubt but that the pirates had invaded the country
under the protection, or perhaps at the instigation, of
King Sigurd Ring. These words aroused the just wrath
of the aged monarch.

326

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

-tJo, tell my treacherous kinsman," he cried, "that
I command him, as my vassal, instantly to appear before
the tribunal of this country, to answer for his base con-
duct."

"Thy commands shall be obeyed," replied Brum, who
at once departed to fulfil the behest of his sovereign.

He set out for Upsala, accompanied by a brilliant
retinue. When he arrived at the palace he found much
feasting and revelry going on, while in the midst of the
courtiers sat King Sigurd Ring himself. To him Bruni
delivered his message, whereupon the king replied in
astonishment, —

"I deny the right of King Harald to call me his vassal ;
it is true that it has been my wont to send yearly gifts
to Hledra, but never either taxes or tribute-money. Go,
tell thy master that the sword alone shall be judge be-
tween him and me in this matter."

"Well spoken, O king!" cried Bruni, "Odin will rejoice
to hear thy noble answer!" Sigurd Ring looked at the
messenger in unfeigned astonishment, but as he did so he
recognized in the stranger one of the brave warriors who
had often fought in battle at his father's side. He there-
fore bade him be seated beside him, feasted him at his
board, and loaded him with rich gifts at his departure.

Bruni delivered Sigurd Ring's message to Harald,
v» ho vowed that he would soon find means to punish the
presumption of the Swedish king.

After much communication it was at length arranged
that in seven years' time the two sovereigns should join
in battle, thus to decide to which of them belonged the
supremacy. ^^^

OLP NORSE SAGAS

THE BATTLE O^ BBAVAIXA.

Seven years soon dapsed, during wUdi time bodi ^
Harakl and Sigard Ring, odlecting their forces, made
preparations for tiie great battle which was boaSkj to
dedde the sovereignty of one co un tr y over the other.

At the appointed time the two mighty fleets saikd for
the Bay of Brawik, for the batde was to be fought dose
by, on the Common of Bravalla, which sqiarated Harald's
kingdom of Denmark from Sweden, tiie ieiiit o iy of
King Sigurd Ring.

Early in the morning, when die rising sun was send-
ing forth his golden rays over land and sea, the two
great hostile armies drew themsdves up for battie. Then
the noble but aged Harald, mounting his war-chariot,
gave the signal for the attadc. Ihstantiy die horns were
sounded, the battie-cry of the multitudes rose on the
wind, echoing over hill and vale; arrows and javelins
whistled through the air; spears crashed against shields
and breast-plates.

At the head of the Swedish soldiers fought the brave
Ragwald, who forced his way into the ranks of the
enemy, felling the Danish soldiers to the ground with
his mighty sword. Then Ubbi the Dane, seeing the dis-
tress of his countrymen, hastened to their aid ; he rushed
upon the Swedish hero, and the two crossed swords
together. The fight was desperate, but at length Rag-
wald fell, pierced to the heart by Ubbi's hand. The vic-
tor then pressed forward, urging his soldiers to follow.
They broke through the ranks of the enemy, carrying all

328

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

before them as they went, for the Swedish soldiers dared
not await the onset of the mighty hero.

When King Sigurd Ring perceived the triumph of
the Danes, he cried out, —

"Is there no one amongst my warriors who will do
battle with this destroyer?"

"I will !" cried one of the bravest of his soldiers, and
pressing through the crowd, he rushed with drawn sword
upon the advancing Ubbi. The tumult became so great,
however, that they were soon separated. Ubbi, whose
shield had been destroyed, seized his mighty sword with
both hands, and made for himself a passage through the
ranks of the enemy by felling to the ground all who stood
in his way, while his brave soldiers protected him from
attack in the rear.

Then the Swedes, seeing that this mighty man was not
to be overcome by the sword, rained down arrows upon
him from the distance. Numbers of brave warriors fell,
while fighting fiercely at his side, until at length one
arrow hit its mark, piercing the heart of the hero whom
no sword could conquer. With Ubbi sank Denmark's
glory and might.

The battle continued to rage fiercely, but from the
moment that the brave Ubbi fell, fortune seemed to turn
against the Danes. Starkad, one of Sigurd Ring's war-
riors, followed by many of his bravest soldiers, broke
through the Danish ranks, spreading terror and confusion
as they advanced.

A cry of woe was echoed along the lines as the brave
Danish soldiers saw that their cause was lost. Harald,

22 329

OLD NOESB SAGAS

however, nOyiog all his energies for a last ^Sort to sxwt
the iKwxir of his oofiiitiy, dn>ve hb cbario^
of the Swedish army, whilst, with a migfaty sword in
either hand, he strudc down his enemies as he advanced,
his followers fighting bravely roond him; Ife was soon
prevented from advancing, however, by Ae oofpses of
the slain, which covered the battle-fi^ The acddiers
of both sides fought the more desperatdy roimd tiie royal,
chariot, till at length a m^ty blow fnmi a dub aimed
at the king instantly fdled him to the ground. The
fighting continued, however, over tiie oorps€ of the dam
.monarch, until Sigurd Ring, wishing now to put an end
ten the bloody battli^ ordered a truce to be prodaimed.

The horns were sounded on both mdes for a ccssatioo
and the shattered remnants of the armies retired to timt
respective camps.

The defeat of the Danes was unquestionably for die
number of their slain and wounded was just doobte that
of the Swedes.

On the evening of the same day the victorious king,
accompanied by a retinue of soldiers, appeared in the
Danish camp. Summoning the leaders of their army, he
explained to them his rights to the sovereignty of Den-
mark and Gothland. The Danes, knowing that they had
no choice but to submit to the will of the conqueror, con-
sented, though unwillingly, to acknowledge him as their
king.

The following day Sigurd Ring commanded the body
of the slain monarch to be placed upon his war-chariot,
anS drawn by his own richly-caparisoned charger to the

330

THE BATTLE OF BRAVALLA

funeral pile, on which had been placed Harald's stately
vessel, which was to receive his corpse.

The flames rose high and wrapt themselves about the
vessel. Then King Sigurd Ring, mounting his steed,
cried : "Let the great monarch who has died the death ,
of a noble hero depart from this world to the halls of
Valhalla laden with rich gifts, and covered with kingly
honour."

With these words he rode round the funeral pile,
accompanied by many princes and warriors, while each
and all of them, following the king's example, cast rich
gifts of jewels and wrought gold on the burning mass.

By the. king's command the ashes of the departed hero
were placed in a golden urn, which was taken to Hledra,
and there buried, a costly monument being raised over
the spot.

Sigurd Ring then ordered a grand banquet to be pre-
pared in Harald's memory, to which he invited the
princes and nobles of Denmark and Gothland, and whilst
his guests feasted, he sat at the board, praising the noble
deeds of the departed king.

By this wise policy he won the hearts of the Danish peo-
ple, who now willingly acknowledged him as their ruler.

Thus did the battle of Bravalla end the struggle for
supremacy between King Sigurd Ring of Sweden and
King Harald of Denmark. Sigurd Ring's rule was wise
and mild. He reigned long and happily as king of Den-
mark and Sweden, beloved by his subjects of both coun-
tries, and died at length full of years and honour, but by
foul assassination, when asleep on board his ship, the
Dragon. 331

WAYLAND SMITH.

Tick-Uck-tockl tick-Uck-Uyl
Hey, merry comrades, hammer away!
When the iron's hot, and the sparks do ^^
Something comes of it by-and-by.
Tick-tack-tockf tick-tack-tayl
So comes the end of a busy day.'

M

So SAKG three sturdy lads, as they forged in their
smithy the Made of a sword. ''Ay/' said the youngest
of them, " 'tis time to leave off. The hammer has done
its work, to-morrow we shall temper Ring-cleaver, give
him an edge with df-powder, fit him with a sheadi and
a gold hilt, then print the magic mark, and there's a
weapcm for you! I tdl you, brothers, the swcnrd fhat
Freyr gave Skimir was no keener, nor shone brightlier,
than our handiwork." His brothers answered: "You
see, Wayland, you learnt the trick of it among the same
black elves (dwarfs) that forged the sword of Freyr, so
the work ought to praise the workman. Now let us
throw off our leather aprons, and wash away the sweat
and soot in the cool sea-wave. Maybe grandmother
Wave-hild, the merwoman, will shew us some treasure
to pick up."

So saying, the three brothers went down to the shore
and bathed, and came up sleek and fair, looking more
like light-elves. As they stood enjoying the cool of even-

332

WAYLAND SMITH

ing, they heard a flapping in the air, and looking up saw
a strange sight. Three maidens, with swan-jackets
fastened round their waists, were flying over their heads.
Presently they fluttered down to the ground, laid aside
their winged robes, and bathed in the luke-warm flood.
Then they sat down on the grass, and with golden
spindles spun the fate of battles: they were valkyries,
daughters of kings, and plied the orlage (event of war).
The young men understood this at a glance, and creeping
up softly, carried off the feather garments, and hid them
in a safe place. The maidens, looking round for their
jackets, heard the brothers hail them in friendly fashion,
and invite them to their dwelling. In vain they looked
about for any other shelter: in that bleak valley, named
the Wolf's Dale, there was no sign of habitation far or
near. Indignant as they felt, they had no choice but to
accept the offer. Nor did they repent it : at the cheerful
supper the brothers struck up melodious songs, with voice
answering voice ; they told of the marvels they had seen
in Finmark, the land of magic, and of the gold that rolls
in the waves of the Rhine ; they showed them the Rhine-
gold they had themselves picked up, and the rings and
jewels they had wrought out of it by the cunning of their
craft. The young men's speech and manners were so
winning that the maidens soon consented to be their
brides. Egil, the second brother, won the bold i^lriin,
and Slagf ether (flap-wing) the stately Swan-white, while
Wayland led the lovely Allwhite, the youngest, into his
abode.

Seven winters did these wedded couples live together

333

OLD NORSE SAGAS

in peace and j<^. The ''shield-tnaidens** tock ddigiit in
the men's cunning handiwork, in the hdmets, hanberfcs^
shields, swords, and arrows tiiat ever and anon came
close-knit and glittering out of the sooty work-shop. They
adorned themselves with rings and cosdy jewelleiy that
tibeir husbands gave them for presents. They prepared
the meal to set before them when they returned from
hunting. Especially did AllwUte love her ingenious and
inventive Wayland; and once, when he stqit before her
in bright armour, with the last sword he had made hai^*
ing at his hip, and when he pulled the huge hdmet-deaver
out of its sheath, and made it flash like lightning in his
hand, while he split a bar of iron with it, — then she
fancied she beheld such a hero as she had seen on the
bloody battle-field when she hovered above the armies,
bringing victory or death. She clasped her husband in
her loving arms, and gave him a gold ring, tdling him
it was one that bred love in gods and men.

But the war-cry never rang in this lonely valley:
nothing but the howl of the wolf broke the stillness of
night, and now and then a stranger would drop in, to
get him a sword or a suit of armour straight from the
smithy. Life glided on, still and monotonous. And in
the eighth year a longing seized the women to ply their
old trade of orlaw, to witness the bold deeds of heroes,
to flit over land and sea on cloud-steeds or in swan-weeds,
and at Odin's bidding to sway the wild tumult of war.
They grew restless, they chafed and pined for their
feathered garments ; yet they durst not let their husbands
know what was gnawing at their hearts and spoiling all

334

WAYLAND SMITH

their Happiness. For a whole year they bore their grief
silently locked up in their bosoms ; at length in the ninth
year they found a hidden closet, and in it their swan-
jackets. They shouted for joy, hurried down to the
shore, and with loud-flapping pinions soared away into
the blue height.

In the evening the wayworn huntsmen returned from
the chase. They came lugging their prey, a she-bear they
had killed; but they found the house deserted, and the
closet that concealed the valkyr-vestments broken open
and empty. They knew what had happened, and without
stopping to rest, Egil and Slagfether set out in search of
their beloved brides. Wayland, stunned with grief, stayed
behind : he still hoped that Allwhite the loving would
come back to him. He sat at home, forging gold rings
exactly like the one his wife had given him as a pledge
of her love. Seven hundred such he tied together with a
rope of tree-rind, and among them the true one, which
no thievish hand, nor any one but he and his wife, could
have picek out. One evening he came home late from
hunting, and on counting the rings, he found one missing,
the very one he prized above all things. "She has been
in the house, she has picked it out, she will come back to
me yet," he muttered to himself, and dreamt the delicious
dream of a joyful reunion. His thoughts became con-
fused, and he fell into a deep sleep. Anything but gently
was he awakened ; when he tried to g^t up, he felt cords
drawn tightly about his hands and feet. Torches glim-
mered, arms clashed, and before the astonished smith
there stood a savage-looking man. He loiew him well —

335

OLD NORSE SAGAS

it was the Niduth the Drost (chief) of the Niars ; and
he guessed that he had ialltn upon him because he had
heard of his forlorn condition. ''Black-elves' appren-
tice!*' growled the Drost, ''out of my soil you got this
gold, that you make into rings to bribe my soldiers with."
At first Wayland held his tongue, then he answered:
"Traitor, not in your bleak mountains does the pure
metal grow ; it is the Rhine-gold that glitters in my cham-
bers. Who gave you the right to cast a freeman into
bonds ?" All the answer the Drost made was to bid the
cords be drawn tighter, the man and his treasures be
shipped on board, and the barge swiftly steered to the
land of the Niars. The rising moon was mirrored in
the glassy sea, she shone on the shidds of the mailed
warriors that stood round the captive smith. Before she
set, the vessel had reached the coast where Niar-burgfa
reared its frowning battlement "How grimly tibe Black-
elf glares at us ! his eyes are wheels of fire, like the ejres
of a dragon !" So muttered the warriors to each other,
as they dragged the prisoner to a narrow dungeon. The
Drost seemed to harbour the like thoughts. He girded
himself with Wayland's sword of victory, gave the ring
of love to his daughter Badhild, and a sparkling brooch
to his princely spouse; then said he would restore the
rest to the prisoner, take him into his service, and win
him by kindness. "What!" said his more suspicious
princess, "are you turning dotard before your time ? have
not you seen the deadly flashes the poison-snake darts out
of his eyes? He will never forget to revenge, he will
destroy us all when he finds himself free. Why not cut

336

WAYLAND SMITH

the sinews of the Elf-king's thighs, and set him on yon
Holm of Seastead, so that crippled he may still work
for us and make us weapons and jewels?" The Drost
thought this a cunning device, and gave orders to have
it carried out.

There sat the unhappy man in the Holm of Seastead,
suflfering his pain, brooding on revenge, and often think-
ing of that happy time in the wilds of Wolfsdale. No
one cared to set foot on the Holm, save Niduth the Drost,
who came to set him tasks, when once the wounds were
healed, and the man he had wronged was rendered harm-
less by laming. Harmless he seemed to those who did
not know his skill and his elfish nature. He first made
himself a winged jacket on the pattern of the valkyrian
garments, and then he could have flown away at once;
but he thought of revenge even more than of freedom.
With unflagging industry he made for his master coats
of mail, javelins, swords, trinkets of gold, and in every
way showed himself a willing servant. One day the
Drost brought the very sword he had taken from him,
to have the pommel and ring more richly mounted with
jewels. In three nights, thought the smith, his lord's
commands would be accomplished. Now glowed the
forge, now rang the hammer-stroke both day and night ;
for Wayland was bent on making not only the promised
jewel-work, but a second sword, not distinguishable from
the first, but without its tempering, without its magic
mark ensuring victory. And this sham sword he gave
the Drost, who received it with a smile of satisfaction.

Two pretty boys, the sons of Niduth, were once pad-

337

(XJ> KORSB SAGAS

dUng about in their light canoe» and came past Seaslead.
There stood the sooty Elf-worianan, kaning on his
cintches. His eyes shot no fiendish fire like those of tfie
lindworm; he beckoned Idndty to the boys, he shewed
diem red rings and sparkling stones set in goUL 'XUxoe
Cfvtr here, my lads, I'll show you much &ier things in
my big coffer, and yoa shall pick out what pleases you
bat, to take with you." The boys gladty ran their boat
ashore, and skipped unsuspiciously about the lame man,
as he hobbled to tfie smithy. He diowed tbtm the mighty
coffer, bade them open it, and helped tiiem to lift tbt
heavy iron lid. How eagerly they peeped in! what a
blaze of gold and silver jewels, cups, drinking-horns,
glittering rings, head-ties with snaky coils I ^111 have that
sparkling brooch !'' ''And I that little snake with twinkling
eyes !" cried the children, dipping their heads deq>er into
the chest In a moment, down slammed the sharp-edged
lid, their heads rolled in among the jewels, and their
bodies, lay quivering on the floor. The man of iron
laughed a grim laugh, for revenge was sweet; then he
mopped up the trickling blood from the pavement. With
a sharp knife he cut up the bodies, hiding the hands and
feet under the cooling-trough, and burying the rest in
the smithy. He never slept that night, he wanted first
to finish the work. He reached the children's heads out
of the coflfcr, and separated the skulls, the eyes and the
teeth. Of the first he fashioned two el^^nt drinking-
bowls for Niduth; the eyes he hardened into precious
stones for his ill-natured wife; and the white teeth, set
in gold, he sent as a brooch to Badhild.

338

WAYLAND SMITH

The Drost of Niars could not relish the ale they set
before him in those dainty goblets ; even the wine of the
south gave him little pleasure, for oh! he missed his
bonny boys. His wife also fretted about them, for they
had sought their two sons in vain. Badhild alone cared
little for her brothers; but she took great delight in her
new trinket with white pearls. Unluckily, as she was
putting it on, the ring of love fell off her arm, and broke.
She wept much, fearing her father's anger when he should
come to know of the misfortune. In her distress she
thought of the skillful smith, who had shown himself so
friendly; she hoped he might help her out, and when
evening came she went over to the Holm. Wayland was
at once ready to repair the mischief, and declared that
her father and mother should find the armlet prettier than
before. "Sit thee down on the settle, child, and taste
this cup of fine mead, whilst I get forward with the
work." Badhild obeyed the civil speech; she tasted the
mead, it was delicious: Heidrun never yielded better
drink to delight the gods withal. She sipped and sipped
again, till she fancied ever3rthing around her was changed.
The sooty workshop seemed her bridal chamber, the Elf-
workman a godlike hero, handing her the wedding-ring ;
and she yielded to his embrace. The drunken dream
lasted an hour and more ; then all grew dark about her, an
unspeakable horror took hold of her, and continued after
she had wakened from the trance. Three bright spots
glowed through the gloom : the forge, and the eyes of the
Elf, who had squatted down on the middle of the floor.
He was now in truth the poison-worm her mother had

339

OLD NORSE SAGAS

once called him ; he shot fiery glances at her, and croaked
out hoarsely :

''Now get thee home, sweetheart, and think of me»
Or stay the night, and I'll make love to thee/

He rose up tall as a giant, he stretched out his arms
towards her; fright at the grisly spectre sent her flying
to the boat, and she rowed back to her father's castle.

"The revenge is accomplished," muttered Wayland;
"now for the Drost, and then away!" He girded his
sword about him, put his winged gajment on, and rose
in the air on the pinions he had cunningly contrived. He
alighted on a turret of the palace. He called, and his
voice rang like Heimdal's Giallarhom : "Awake, Niduth,
come forth and hear good tidings." The lord in great
alarm stept out of his gate, and saw his prisoner perched
on the lofty turret. "Hearken, Niduth Drost of Niars !"
cried the smith. "Thy children's bodies thou wilt find
in my dwelling ; out of their skulls thou sippest the wine
of the south ; their eyes thy lady wears as precious stones,
their pearly teeth adorn thy daughter's breastpin. Bad-
hild's child, that shall be born, is my offspring, and shall
one day receive this sword, the sword of victory, that I
have gotten back from thee. Odin shall one day bestow
it on Sigmund, and after him shall his offspring, the
beaming Sigurd, wear it and wield it and slay therewith
the dragon Fafnir. But now I go to Light-elf Land, to
meet Allwhite my beloved bride, and live with her till
Ragnarok set in and the gods go down." So saying,
Wayland soared away toward the rising day leaving
Niduth sorrowing, for his spirit was crushed within him.

340

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CECIl H. GREEN IIBRARY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

STANFORD, CAllFORNIA 94305-6004

|650| 723-1493

grncircSsulmail. Stanford. sdu

All books ore subject to recoil.

DATE DUE

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